Here’s everything you need to know about Eastbourne’s latest employment news

In the new figures from the Office of National Statistics it was revealed that unemployment has continued to rise nationally and it is at its highest since the global financial crisis in 2007-2009.

Despite this, the south east currently has the highest employment rates out of all regions in the UK.

Some 1.72 million people are now unemployed nationally and the age group of 24-34 were shown to be at the biggest risk of losing their jobs.

While the UK average unemployment rate is five per cent, the south east unemployment rate is significantly lower at 3.7 per cent.

In Eastbourne the number of people claiming Universal Credit as of December 2020 stood at 11,548 - this is a slight rise from 11,331 the month before when we went into a second national lockdown.

The alternative claimant count, which is the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits and searching for work, was 4,529 for Eastbourne in November and nearly 20 per cent of those claimants were between the ages of 16-24.

Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said, “Universal Credit is providing a vital safety net for millions, rightly supporting people during their time of need in the wake of the pandemic.

“We continue to support low-paid families throughout this unprecedented period. Our Covid Winter Grant Scheme is helping to keep disadvantaged children warm and well-fed through the coldest months and our Plan for Jobs, including the Kickstart and Job Entry Targeted Support schemes, is a crucial part of our plan to build back better.”

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said, “These figures show many people are still facing difficult times but our support is helping keep millions of workers on payrolls across the country.

“Whilst there is light at the end of the tunnel with jabs already in the arms of millions and the vaccine rollout gathering pace, our Plan for Jobs is helping to protect and support livelihoods as well as create new opportunities for those who need them.

“The number of vacancies has risen for six consecutive months, our Kickstart Scheme for young people has already created more than 120,000 job placements and we have provided over £280 billion to protect incomes and livelihoods as we battle the pandemic.”

Anyone wanting any support can call Eastbourne Jobcentre on 0800 169 0190.