Chichester Jobcentre works with hospitality industry to fill thousands of vacancies

In Chichester, the number of 18-24 on the ONS claimant count was reduced by 34 per cent since 2010 and claimants of all ages went down 19 per cent over the past 12 months.

Emma Wareham, Partnership Manager at Chichester Jobcentre said: “Jobcentres have had an extremely busy year, working hard, directly with employers to fill their vacancies with the right person.

"We’ve supported jobseekers to develop their skills, while also helping people to progress in their career.

“In particular we have held jobsfairs for business sectors in hospitality and retail and Sector Based Work Academies.

“For the coming year plans are already in hand to ramp up activity as there are still hundreds of vacancies available.

The changes to Universal Credit and our 50PLUS offer means we can provide specialist help to even more claimants through intensive support, to help them get into work and seize opportunities to increase their job prospects and pay.

Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP said: “Today’s figures show the number of people on payrolls remains at an all-time high.

“But it is important that working people get the support they need to progress and boost their incomes.

“This government will always take steps to make sure work pays. We have already cut the Universal Credit taper rate and increased the work allowance, so claimants can keep more of their hard-earned money.

“Next year, we’re going further by providing tailored employment support to a further 600,000 claimants on Universal Credit who are already in work.”