EAST Hampshire MP Damian Hinds has welcomed the latest employment figures that show a record high of 31.42 million people in work across the UK, with private sector employment topping 26 million.

The unemployment rate stands at 5.1 per cent, representing the lowest level in a decade, and the claimant count is at its lowest level in 40 years.

But it is figures for young people that have most impressed Mr Hinds. They show that the number of young people claiming unemployment benefits across the UK to be down to 153,000 – the lowest level since the mid-1970s, and that female employment is at a record high of 69.1 per cent, with a million more woman in work since 2010.

According to the March statistics, the proportion of young people in work or full-time education is at a near record high, at 85.7 per cent. The claimant count has fallen to its lowest level since 1975 and it is particularly good news for East Hampshire as there are four per cent fewer claimants than a year ago.

In East Hampshire, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance aged 18 to 24 is now 65, out of a total of 385 claimants which, points out Mr Hinds, has fallen by more than 800 in the last six years.

Mr Hinds said: “The employment numbers continue to break new records, with the rate of employment having reached 74.1 per cent, and 31.42 million people now in work. Private-sector employment is also at the highest level since records began, helping to power the growth in jobs.

“But, released in National Apprenticeship Week (last week), I’m particularly pleased to see the fall in youth unemployment, enabling more young people to work toward a more secure future for themselves and their families.”

March has seen a large variety of vacancies being placed with Jobcentre Plus.

Hazel Prior, an employer adviser based at Aldershot but with responsibility too for Jobcentre Plus outlets in East Hampshire, including Alton, said: “My phone seems to be constantly ringing with calls from our local employers and I get daily e-mails from companies needing new employees. Employers are able to use Jobcentre interview rooms without cost and it makes transport issues easier, therefore reducing stress for those attending the interview.”

In flagging up some of the opportunities available, Ms Prior continued: “The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is recruiting across the country for executive officers, with flexible working, full time, part time and job share positions. Applicants will need to have excellent communication skills and a positive attitude to change. All vacancies are on gov.uk/jobsearch.

“I have also been dealing with vacancies from an Alton employer who has administration/office vacancies and would like to hear from people with Microsoft experience and a can-do attitude. These are full-time vacancies and a fantastic opportunity to become part of a successful and expanding team.”

According to Ms Prior “hospitality is a huge recruitment sector and there are always vacancies in pubs and restaurants in the Alton area”.

“For those who would like some help in gaining employment, I am working closely with Greg Ewart, catering training and kitchen manager at The Vine, Aldershot. Experience will be offered in a working kitchen and those attending will gain a food hygiene certificate, an introduction to first aid, as well as help to find and apply for catering and hospitality jobs. The Vine is easily accessed by public transport and for those in receipt of benefit travel costs would be paid,” she said.

And there are always opportunities in domiciliary care in the Alton area.

Jobcentre Plus runs regular interview skills workshops, provided by the National Careers Service. The next session is on April 5 in Aldershot. There are plans also to stage workshops in digital job applications and CV writing, with dates to be confirmed, according to Ms Prior.

The 2016 Princes Trust programme starts in Farnborough on May 9 and is suitable for unemployed people between the ages of 16 and 25, giving them the chance to gain new skills, take a qualification and meet new people As well as taking part in an action-packed residential trip, those attending will gain two weeks work experience in something in which they are interested. The programme is completely free and won’t affect Jobseekers’ Allowance.

Ms Prior said: “Three out of four people who complete the programme go on to work or college courses within three months.”

Young people are invited to go along and meet the Princes Trust team at Aldershot Jobcentre on Wednesday, April 20.

To find out about any of these vacancies or training opportunities, call Hazel Prior on 01252 356511.