THE number of people claiming Universal Credit and looking for work in Solihull has fallen by 733 to 6,855 according to the latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Local spokesman Steve Whitehorn said there were jobs ‘across all areas’ as the region’s economy begins to recover from the impact of the pandemic.
“There are a lot of vacancies across all sectors and in particular we are seeing that in the care sector, hospitality and food production,” he said.
He added that emphasis was being put on re-training people to give them the skills to meet the requirements of local job opportunities.
“It’s an area of real focus,” he said.
“To equip people with the skills they need for the jobs out there.
“Also, as we move out of the pandemic we are moving back towards face to face interviews, bringing people back to Job Centres so we can identify where training is required.”
The DWP is itself recruiting more ‘work coaches’ to help in the process while a new ‘Youth Hub’ initiative in north Solihull will target young people looking for work.
“It’s recognised that young people are more easily engaged when they’ve not in a Job Centre,” said Steve.
The facility is currently getting its IT network installed but should open in Chelmsley Wood town centre ‘soon’ he said.
