Jobcentre Plus helps drive down unemployment across North Northants
Work Coaches across North Northamptonshire are helping more people back into work this spring, with new figures showing a 9% fall in benefit claims among residents aged 50 and over. The drop reflects growing confidence in the local labour market and targeted support from Jobcentre Plus teams.
Julie Pritchard, Employer Adviser for Northamptonshire, said: “Our Work Coaches see every day how the right support at the right moment can transform someone’s future. With more than 113,000 vacancies on our Find a Job site, it’s a great time for people to seize new opportunities and shape the future they want.”
She added that Jobcentre teams are strengthening links with local employers through regular job fairs and Sector‑Based Work Academies, helping match people to roles quickly and effectively.
A recent recruitment event at Wellingborough Jobcentre, organised by Employer Adviser Stefania Cosa, drew more than 400 jobseekers. Staff managed the busy turnout smoothly, ensuring a safe, positive experience, while employers praised the support they received throughout the day. Job outcome updates are expected in the coming weeks.
“For any employer with vacancies, our message is simple: get in touch,” Pritchard said. “We’re ready to help businesses of all sizes build a strong, skilled workforce.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, said: "Today's figures show there are 388,000 more people in work than there was this time last year. While this is encouraging, we know there is more to do to get people, particularly young people, into work.
"That's why we're investing £2.5 billion to create up to 500,000 opportunities for young people to earn or learn, transform the welfare state into a working state – including a new £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for businesses who take on eligible young people and expanding the Jobs Guarantee to cover 18- to 24-year-olds.
"We're also delivering the biggest reforms to apprenticeships in a decade - giving employers more flexibility and expanding foundation apprenticeships into the hospitality and retail sectors."