The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Thanet has seen a drop although the district still has the highest rates in Kent.
Latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows 4,690 people claiming out of work benefits in July – a rate of 5.8% – a fall of 2.7% compared to July 2021.
Thanet JobCentre Plus has been helping with recruitment for a new Poundland store in Broadstairs and partnered up with Broadstairs College and Thorley Taverns to create pre-employment hospitality training.
Thanet JCP manager Anthony March said: “We have worked directly with the new (Poundland) store manager to pre-screen suitable candidates which has led to 15 job offers.
“We have also recently worked in collaboration with EKC and Thorley Taverns to deliver a bespoke pre-employment training course which included in-depth practical cooking skills to support claimants into the hospitality sector with guaranteed interviews and, so far, three job offers have been made with more to follow from Thorley Taverns.
“Our Jobcentres are continuing to support employers with our fortnightly job fairs across Thanet, the last job fair held in Margate JobCentre on August 10 saw around 14 job offers on the day. We are now planning our next job fair which will be held at our Argyle House Jobcentre on August 24.
“Further job fairs will be held on September 7 at the Argle Centre in Ramsgate to support Ukrainian families to find work and a further Jobs fair on September 8 will be held at Millmead Children’s Centre to support those who live in the area into work.”
Anyone interested in attending a jobs fair should speak to their JobCentre work coach to book a space.
Anyone who would like information or is an employer looking to recruit new staff can email [email protected]
For anyone struggling with the cost of living price hikes details of available support can be found at Cost of living support – Help for Households cost of living (campaign.gov.uk)