Berkshire jobs improves during February

During the last month Berkshire jobs started to improve with almost 100 residents off the unemployment register.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there are 93 people fewer in the region who are currently claiming benefits. 

Personal Best, a pre-employment programme run by Scout Enterprises has recently awarded jobseekers who are doing their best to get back into work.

The programme is focussed on helping disadvantaged people update their CVs and enhance their skill.

According to the Reading Post, the awards were given to jobseekers that did their part to gain interviews.

“Previously I was claiming Income Support and I have now changed to Job Seekers’ Allowance,” Paul Burden, an avid jobseeker and award winner explained.

Eunice Hester, a tutor for Scout Enterprises, told the newspaper: “This is an exciting new project and we want to engage with more learners in the Reading, Milton Keynes, Slough, Bracknell and Oxford areas.”

Although jobs in Berkshire are looking up, the overall UK jobs data isn’t. The broader ILO measure of unemployment rose to 8% in February, up from 7.8%.

Chief economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, David Kern, commented on the figures and said that the new government will have to focus on the issue.

“Whatever the result of the election, a new government must enable businesses to invest and create jobs.”