Unemployment figures for November show a rise of Thanet people out of work, up 4.2% – equating to 180 people – on rates for October.
Overall the unemployment rate for the isle stands at 5.5% of the working age population, amounting to 4,515 people. This is the highest rate in the county with Gravesham having the next highest rate at 4.3%. The Kent average is 3.4%.
Thanet has the second highest rate of youth unemployment in the south east with 865 claimants aged between 18 and 24, a rate of 9.4% compared to the Kent average of 5.2% and the national average of 5%. Hastings has the highest youth unemployment rate in the south east at 10%.
In Kent 32,245 people were claiming unemployment benefits in November and the number of people unemployed in Kent in has increased by 2.6% (+825) since the previous month.
Figures come from Kent County Council using Office for National Statistics data. Statistics for December will be released in January.
Thanet JobCentre Plus
Thanet JobCentres say there will be a number of job opportunities in the new year and they will be holding a recruitment fair at Ramsgate’s Salvation Army, with another being planned to take place at Margate Caves.
At the Ramsgate event on January 11, employers will include Morgan Jones, British Army, Calibre Cleaning and Turning Point.
Thanet JobCentre recruitment specialist Lily Chiu said: “Throughout the past month, we have continued to move local customers into employment across Thanet.
“At our most recent Margate job fair on 7th December, over 65 customers attended and spoke to a range of employers from NHS to Mitie, as well as Morgan Jones Recruitment Agency.
“Following the event, MyLife Homecare have booked another five customers in this week for interviews at the jobcentre. Since working with us, they have already had five job offers for Universal Credit customers, with four starting work so far.
‘Courses’
“In terms of courses, there are plenty of sector-based opportunities coming up in the new year. Due to the large number of security vacancies in Manston, we are now working with Harlow College in January to deliver an SIA course plus a guaranteed interview with Mitie on completion.
“In addition, we are running a 4-week childcare course with East Kent College to help more people into this growing industry. The college is offering interviews with their on-site nursery, and we are looking for more local childcare providers to get in touch about potential interviews.
Job fairs
“Heading into 2024, our first event of the year will be held in Ramsgate on 11th January at The Salvation Army, which has kindly given the venue. In attendance will be employers across multiple sectors, including Morgan Jones, British Army, Calibre Cleaning and Turning Point.
“We are also collaborating with another local organisation, Margate Caves, with a date for a job fair onsite planned for the near future.”
To find out more through your Jobcentre coach.
