Jobs situation in Pendle is improving

I recently spent Monday morning at Nelson Job Centre Plus, meeting the advisors and a number of the job seekers who had appointments.
men outside a Job Centre Plus. Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA Wiremen outside a Job Centre Plus. Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire
men outside a Job Centre Plus. Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

I frequently visit Colne and Nelson’s Job Centres for updates on various Government programmes to help people back into work, but wanted to spend a few hours learning more about the support available.

The day started with an 8-45am meeting with most of the 25 staff, before watching some of the advisers at work.

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It has been really encouraging to see unemployment in Pendle falling significantly over the past year.

With several local employers advertising new vacancies and big expansions by local companies like Wellocks, I hope these significant falls in unemployment will continue.

The fall in youth unemployment has also been helped by things like the number of apprenticeships in Pendle doubling, thanks to Government incentives, something I wrote about following my visit to Silentnight.

There is still a lot more to do to help people back into work, but we are seeing a real improvement in the jobs situation locally, reflecting the fact the national economy has started to turn a corner.

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This is also reflected in the vacancies that will be on offer at my latest Pendle Jobs Fair, which I will be holding at the Muni on Friday, March 28th.

This is the third time I have arranged a Jobs Fair and the variety and number of jobs and apprenticeships available each time has grown year on year.

It was hard not to be struck by the professionalism and dedication of the staff at Nelson Job Centre, working to get people into work.

I would like to put on record my thanks to Tom and Rosemary for hosting me at and for all the staff for letting me sit in on interviews.