There has been a slight decrease in the rate of youth unemployment in Thanet, according to statistics for April.
The figure now stands at 11.7% – down from 12% in March – but remains the highest rate in the south-east. It is equivalent to 1,025 young people aged 18 to 24 being out of work.
Youth unemployment in Kent as a whole stands at is 6.4%, higher than the national rate of 5.8%.
Unemployment across all ages for Thanet is Thanet 5.3% – 4,420 people. The unemployment rate for all of Kent is 3.4% (GB 4.0%).
At Thanet Job Centres work has been taking place with young people at Foreland Fields School in Ramsgate, which caters for around 220 pupils with Profound, Severe and Complex Needs including ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder).
Thanet Job Centres are also working with East Kent Colleges Group to help people into work through a nationally recognised Hospitality Skills Passport.
Careers Day
Thanet Recruitment Specialist Jason Bloomfield said: “The annual Career Transition Day at Foreland Fields School brought together 28 organisations to support young people with profound, severe and complex needs as they prepare for life beyond education.
“The event focuses on helping families navigate the often challenging move into adulthood, particularly for students with learning disabilities and autism who require specialist support to build independence and reach their full potential.
“The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was among those in attendance, offering guidance on benefits and signposting families to appropriate local services and provision.
“Disability Employment Advisers said they were ‘proud to attend, offering guidance on benefits and future pathways for families at a crucial stage in their journey.’”
Hospitality scheme
The Hospitality Skills Passport scheme in Thanet is currently helping 12 people with training and/or work experience.
Jason said: “The nationally recognised Hospitality Skills Passport has recently launched, backed by UKHospitality and Thanet District Council and delivered by East Kent College.
“The programme is supporting 12 people into hospitality roles, combining training with work experience. Local employers involved include Thorley Taverns, The Yarrow, Holiday Inn Express, San Clu Hotel, Margate Caves and Whitbread Premier Inn.
“Local Jobcentres continue to support residents into employment by hosting employers for interviews, helping create job opportunities across Thanet.
“Recent recruitment activity has included companies such as MiHomeCare and Manchett Security.”
Employers or organisations able to offer recruitment support, work experience or training opportunities, or those seeking assistance with hiring, are encouraged to get in touch via [email protected].
These organisations are always so far behind the curve. A recent report said two thirds of hospitality businesses are planning to cut jobs and available hospitality jobs are lower than they have been for years due to Government policies.
But public money is being spent to train people up to get jobs in hospitality ? The local college are still offering the same old courses to when I was in education years ago with no reference or acknowledgement to what has happened with the economy or jobs market in the last few decades. No wonder youth unemployment is so high.
Some joined up thinking and some business acumen would be welcome here.
At least the figures are a slight improvement. Hopefully, the young adults get some opportunities, I am a great believer in proper apprenticeships ie at least three years long, not some of the recent incarnations of a couple of months!