Figures show 20% drop in people claiming job seekers allowance
The council has welcomed the news as more evidence of economic recovery and an expanding local jobs market.
Latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics show the number of people in Wandsworth claiming JSA fell from 6,225 in December 2012 to 4,983 in December 2013.
Wandsworth now has the second lowest proportion of JSA claimants for an inner London borough at 2.2 per cent.
Leader of the council Ravi Govindia says more job opportunities are coming to Wandsworth as the development of Nine Elms gathers pace and several major employers set up or expand inside the borough.
He said:
“There has been a great deal of media coverage recently about the economic recovery and in Wandsworth the prospects for new job creation are better than almost anywhere else. Making sure local unemployed people benefit from new job opportunities is our number one priority and the fall in JSA claimants is very heartening.”
The improving employment data comes as Wandsworth Council prepares for its second major jobs fair, designed to match up local people with new employment opportunities.
The Roehampton Jobs Fair will bring together more than 20 local employers with local residents looking for work. It takes place at Roehampton Sport and Fitness Centre, Laverstoke Gardens from 10am to 3pm, Thursday 30 January.
Asda, London Square, St George and DC Leisure are among the businesses taking part and unemployed local people will be invited to register with the council’s Work Match team which is dedicated to linking out-of-work residents with suitable vacancies.
The event will also provide specialist career advice as well as information on managing personal finances, volunteering and improving your health.
Cllr Govindia, said: “We have set up our Work Match scheme to create a fast track into work for local people. If you’re unemployed or in need of financial support then this event is for you. Our first jobs fair in Battersea was a great success and many of the people who came along are now in work or have started training for a new career.”
Contact Work Match on 0208 871 5191 or email wandsworthworkmatch@wandsworth.gov.uk
January 18, 2013