Stoke councillor vows change over shock job vacancy figures
By Harlen Leonard: A Stoke-on-Trent councillor claims they will help jobseekers find work if they are willing to help themselves.
Cllr Mark Meredith’s vow came as new research shows the city has 73 people chasing every job vacancy – the highest rate in the country.
The study, conducted by the job searching website Adzuna, showed Stoke-on-Trent has 73 unemployed people for every job vacancy, ranking higher than cities like Sunderland (53), Southend (44) and the Wirral (40).
Andrew Hunter, of Adzuna, said: “Policymakers should take note of where the jobs are being created and make sure people are being trained in the right skills in the right locations.”
Cllr Meredith, Cabinet member of economic growth of Stoke City Council, said: “We know Stoke is a challenged area which is why we have launched the ‘Mandate for Change’.
“It is a priority for the city council to create jobs and support local businesses.”
The budget meeting on February 23 is expected to endorse the mandate and earmark £4.6 million for regeneration of Stoke.
It focuses on supporting inward investments, local business and promoting independence and health, in the hopes of increasing the wealth of the area and encouraging business within the the city.
“If they are willing to help themselves we will help them on the first step up the ladder,” added Cllr Meredith.
“In the past, job seekers have not been given much support, but now we support the individual.”
He added that the new City Sentral shopping centre, due to open in 2015, will bring about new job opportunities with a Marks and Spencer and Vue Cinema already confirmed.
(PIC courtesy of Mike Shields)
Category: News
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Comments