I have held Job Fairs every year since becoming an MP, matching local employers and jobseekers up in the community, rather than in an interview setting, which I am proud to say has helped a number of Thornbury residents into stable employment and find the right job for them.
This is just a tiny contribution to the jobs miracle we have seen in the last few years across South Gloucestershire. We learnt this month that the number of people in full time work has hit a record high. In the South West, there are new 2,812,472 people in work – meaning that over the last 9 years, 318,156 more people have the security of a job. Behind every one of those numbers is a person and a family whose self-esteem, mental wellbeing, economic circumstances and life chances are all vastly improved by being in the workplace. There are now more children watching their family members going out to work every day and being set that positive example.
In Thornbury and Yate, the number of people who are claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 45 per cent since 2010, meaning fewer people now need this support because they have the security of a job. There are now more women in work locally than ever before and almost 1 million more disabled people in work since 2013, as businesses and communities are working with the Government to break down the barriers to employment facing disabled people.
One of the biggest transformations, both locally and across the country is the opportunities for young people moving into employment. There are over 446,000 fewer young people out of work since 2010 – almost halving over the last 9 years. That means more local people moving straight from full time education or training, into the stability of an apprenticeship or embarking on a future career.
But I know there is more to do. We will make sure the new T-Levels coming in next year are a success, which will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of at least 45 days. They will provide the knowledge and experience needed to open the door into skilled employment, further study or a higher apprenticeship.
If there is anything else you think would help local people into work, please do let know by emailing [email protected]. These positive jobs figures are no surprise. South Gloucestershire is the most beautiful part of our country, it is packed with creative, talented and passionate people determined to make our community an even better place to live and I am fiercely proud to support it.
