Construction industry on the up in south east

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The construction industry is on the up after seeing the biggest growth in employment in the south east.

According to figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions around 40,000 more people were employed in construction in the south east last year compared to 2014.

The industry as a whole has grown over the past year with 110,000 more jobs created across the country and pay increasing by more than six per cent.

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In the south west the biggest growth was seen in the admin and support industry with 22,000 more people employed in the sector.

London saw the biggest growth in the professional, scientific and technical sector with an increase of 41,000 jobs since 2014.

Employment Minister, Priti Patel, said:“We’re ending 2015 on a real high. Employment is at a record high with 31.3 million people now in work, while unemployment is at its lowest since 2008, and wages are continuing to grow.

“This is fantastic news — and by helping people into work it means more families, up and down Britain, are enjoying the security of a regular paycheque and benefiting from our growing economy.

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“And next year, hardworking people will benefit from more support, including the introduction of the National Living Wage and 30 hours of free childcare for working families.

“To all County Times readers, I wish you a Happy New Year, and a fulfilling and a prosperous 2016.”

For those looking for work in 2016 the department has also released the six areas of employment expected to grow the most in 2016.

HOSPITALITY

The hospitality industry is on the up, with 80,000 more jobs than there were a year ago — and the Government is urging people not to dismiss the jobs as “just for teenagers and students”.

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Mrs Patel praised café, pub and hotel workers in a speech to the British Hospitality Association this year as the ‘best face of Britain’.

She said: “The hospitality industry provides huge opportunities for career progression. You could start off cleaning tables and end up running a chain of restaurants – the chances to learn and develop are unlimited.”

CONSTRUCTION

There are 111,000 more jobs in construction than in 2014, and regular pay has also gone up 6.3 per cent, more than any other sector.

The Government is ploughing billions into the National Infrastructure Pipeline and supporting the creation of three million apprenticeships, so there’s plenty of opportunity to get ahead.

PROFESSIONAL and SCIENTIFIC

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Jobs in the science and tech industry are up 125,000 in the past year, the largest annual rise of any industry.

So if you’ve got an investigative mind and want to find out more in jobs in this field, head to the National Careers Service website and search ‘science and research’ for more hints and tips on how to crack the sector.

ENTERTAINMENT

There are 21,000 more posts in the entertainment sector than there were this time last year – and a series of new openings will help boost this figure in 2016. This includes the launch of a new £40 million Discover England fund to support tourism across the UK, which will lead to more job opportunities.

TRANSPORT

Britain is on the move — and with the biggest road improvement programme since the 1970s and the largest programme of rail investment since Victorian times, it means the number of jobs available has in the industry is also dramatically increasing. Around 55,000 skilled workers will be needed in the transport industry by 2020.

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With construction starting on HS2 in the next two years, billions of pounds being pumped into improving transport links in the north as part of the government’s Northern Powerhouse, and the Government’s aim to create 30,000 apprenticeships in the rail and road sectors in the next five years, there’s great potential to speed up the career ladder.

EDUCATION

Thousands of people are choosing to help shape the minds of the next generation, and there’s lots of opportunities for a rewarding career within teaching.

Jobs in the education sector increased by 46,000 in 2015 — and aspiring teachers could receive a tax-free bursary or scholarship of up to £30k from the Government while you train.

For more information, visit www.getintoteaching.education.gov.uk

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