Telford Job Box

Youth unemployment in Telford and Wrekin has fallen by more than 2,000, from July 2013 to June 2014.

According to figures published by the Office of National Statistics, the number of 16-24 year olds estimated to be unemployed in the borough for the year ending June 2014 was 2,700. This is 2,100 less than a year ago, a reduction of 27 per cent.

Telford & Wrekin Council has committed to reducing unemployment levels in the borough, particularly high levels of youth unemployment, and earlier this year launched the Job Box.

The Job Box was set up to pull together a range of education, training and employment support and its services have helped many local people into employment and many more are now being supported.

The Job Box mentors, are one of a series of brand new services launched in May and offers 20-24 year olds one-to-one support and advice on finding employment and training opportunities, have now successfully helped 53 young people into work.

As a result of the measures taken by the council, youth unemployment in Telford and Wrekin has been decreasing at a greater rate than the regional and national rates.

According to ONS, the borough’s modelled rate of unemployment fell from 9.3 per cent in the year ending June 2013, to 6.7 per cent for the year ending June 2014. This places Telford & Wrekin below the West Midlands (7.5 per cent) and England (6.8 percent) rate.

This is the first time Telford and Wrekin have been below the England rate since the year ending March 2008 showing that, in line with our business winning agenda, Telford is becoming a hot spot for growth, investment and job creation.

The rate for unemployment for 16–24 year olds has reduced from 32.1 per cent in July 2012 to June 2013, to 20.9 per cent in the year up to June 2014.

This comes as figures for the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) in Telford and Wrekin show a fall for the eighth month in a row, reducing by 3.8 per cent, from 2,500 in August to 2,405 in September.

The number of 16–24 year olds claiming JSA has reduced by 470 since September 2013, a reduction of 39.5 per cent, which is a faster reduction than seen for any other age bracket.

Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for employment and skills, said: “The latest unemployment figures demonstrate the success of the new Job Box services, which are working for local people and getting them into employment or training.

“Such a big reduction in youth unemployment in the borough is brilliant news for everyone."

“There is still more work we can do, particularly to help long term JSA claimants to find jobs and address issues around under employment and zero hour contracts and under employment which continue to effect local people."

“We’re keen to ensure that unemployment figures in the borough continue on a downward trend and that we can help every 16–24 year old to find employment and training opportunities that work for them."

“Telford & Wrekin Council has invested £1.3 million in youth unemployment at a time of unprecedented cuts to the council."

“I will continue to demand the Government match fund our investment to give our young people the chance they deserve.”

More information can be found by emailing telfordjobbox@telford.gov.uk or by visiting are Facebook and Twitter pages.