York Jobcentre is launching a “September Surge” to help move people into retail and hospitality jobs for the busier Christmas season.
The move comes as the claimant count is sharply higher than last year.
Figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions reveal that York currently has a claimant count of 2,600, some 385 or 17% up on a year ago.
Figures for the 18-24s are better with the current 465 being 55 or 13% higher than last August.
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Selby has a claimant count of 1,345, up 200 or 17% on last August. For 18-24s, the 205 total is 10 or 5% higher than last August.
Ryedale reports a sharp increase of 125 or 22% to 690. But among the 18-24s, the number has fallen over the past year to 60, down 10 or 14%.
Jo North, Deputy Employer & Partnership Manager for York & North Yorkshire, said: “In preparation for the upcoming Christmas season, York Jobcentre is launching “September Surge” aimed at supporting jobseekers in securing retail and hospitality roles. With Christmas recruitment soon starting, this provides jobseekers with valuable opportunities.
“York Jobcentre is actively engaging with employers across the retail and hospitality sectors, to offer support with their seasonal recruitment.
"We want to equip jobseekers with the skills and confidence they need to stand out during this peak hiring season, whilst giving employers access to a pool of motivated and prepared candidates.
“Now is a great time for jobseekers to undertake a work experience placement, which gives recent work to put on a CV, as well as providing an up-to-date work reference.
"Work experience is ideal for young people looking for their first job role and for returners to the labour market who maybe want to try out a new sector, York jobcentre has a variety of work experience opportunities on offer, covering many sectors."
Jo continued: “We will also be running some specialised events in the run up to Christmas. These include a mock interview day with a range of employers, and a session focussing on dispelling myths surrounding a career as a chef.
"In addition, there will be a Hospitality Career Day, incorporating a Jobs Fair with local employers, but also providing clear insights into the benefits and long-term prospects within the hospitality sector”
Next Tuesday (Sep17), as previously reported, the ‘York Jobs, Apprenticeships and Skills Fair’ takes place at York Railway Institute on Queen Street from 11am-2pm. There will be over 70 local employers and learning providers in attendance.
Employers who would like to get involved with any of the above, should email yorkemployerengagementteam@dwp.gov.uk
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