Youth unemployment rises by 40 per cent in Wealden

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show 222 18-24-year-olds were seeking support in August – 63 more than the same time in the previous year.

Meanwhile the overall number of claimants in the Wealden area has risen by 17 per cent to 1,476 people.

However, this is a four per cent drop since five years ago.

The figures include people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, and people on Universal Credit who are searching for work. It does not include those waiting for a work capability assessment.

The Wealden District comprises a number of rural towns and villages including Hailsham, Willingdon, Polegate, Pevensey, Westham, Herstmonceux, Hellingly, Uckfield, Heathfield and Crowborough.

A jobs fair is being held for young people in Eastbourne on February 14, at the Loft Lounge in Station Street.