OFFICIAL figures released last week show the number of people in work has never been higher since records began in 1971.

According to the Office of National Statistics, the employment rate is at a joint record high of 74.8 per cent, with 31.95 million people now in work – an increase of 372,000 on the year.

This rise has been driven by full-time work with average weekly earnings up by 2.1 per cent, including bonuses. Meanwhile, there are 50,000 fewer unemployed people with unemployment remaining at its lowest rate since 1975 at 4.6 per cent.

This month’s figures also show:

* The female employment rate is at a joint record high of 70.2 per cent, with nearly 15 million women in work;

* The unemployment rate for 18 to 24 year olds who have left full-time education is 10.7 per cent – a joint record low; and

* There are around 770,000 vacancies in the economy at any one time.

Separate figures show 1.2 million claims have been made to Universal Credit. Of the 530,000 people now claiming the credit, nearly 38 per cent are in work.

David Gauke, Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, said: “This government wants to give everyone the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they live or their background.

“There’s good news in the South East where there is a record number of people in work at 4.55 million and a record 2.14 million women in work. The female employment rate at 74.1 per cent and the employment rate for the region as a whole at 78.7 per cent both reached new record highs.

“This is good news for families as we continue to build a stronger, fairer Britain.”

While the number of claimants within East Hampshire remains broadly unchanged, Minister for Employment and East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds has welcomed the latest data, saying: “It’s good to see these key measures staying on track, demonstrating that the economy continues to provide opportunities for those seeking work and, significantly, the rise in the rate of employment has been driven by full-time work.

“It’s important that we build on the progress we’ve made over the last seven years, with more people in work than ever before, a record number of women in employment, and an unemployment rate for 18 to 24 year olds not in full-time education that is down to a joint record low.”

Locally, opportunities on the horizon include an East Hampshire jobs fair, to be held at the Forest Centre in Bordon on Thursday, July 13. There will be many employers with vacancies, free workshops to attend offering work experience and interview skills, customer service skills, and the opportunity of gaining a free bicycle!

The event will also offer free refreshments and free transport from the Alton and Petersfield areas. To arrange a lift, call 01420 85057.

Brockenhurst College will be running a free Construction Skills Certification Scheme course at Alton Community Centre from July 24-27. Running from 9.30am-3.30pm each day, the course will be suitable for anyone not in employment and will offer the training, test and free Construction Skills Certification Scheme card. To register for the course, call 023 8068 2571.

TNT in Alton is currently recruiting for loading bay operatives – working 25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 4.30pm-9.30pm. This is a physically demanding role and applicants must be over 18. Full uniform is supplied. To apply, visit jobs-tntuk.icims.com and under ‘job listings’ select the Alton tab from the drop-down menus.

Veolia in Alton is recruiting for recycling operatives. Two shifts are available – from 6am-2.30pm and 2.30pm-11pm. Duties will include dealing with recycling plastics. To apply for this role, e-mail [email protected].

Hazel Prior, employer adviser at the Department for Work and Pensions, said: “We want our Jobcentres to be part of the community and we welcome local employers and providers to come along and use our premises.

“We can offer free interview rooms and help with finding the right person for your job.”

For more details, call Hazel Prior at Aldershot Jobcentre on 01252 356511.