Improving picture for Banbury in job market statistics

Jobless figures for town continue to improve.

In May 2016 in Banbury, 284 people were on jobseekers allowance compared to 422 in May last year.

Unemployment for Banbury is at 0.6 per cent, compared to one per cent in southern England and 1.8 per cent nationally.

In May this year, 155 people were on universal credit, with 128 aged 18 to 24 and 53 aged 50-plus.

The top sectors for employment in Banbury are manufacturing, retail and hospitality.

Employer account manager Charlie Turrell, in the Avon, Severn and Thames district, said the job centre in Banbury was continuing to engage with local employers and organisations to provide job fairs and recruitment events.

She said: “We have 30 apprenticeships available from manufacturing, health care and retail.

“We are trying to get employers to use our facilities instead of hiring hotels.”

The job centre is also working with Banbury Young Homelessness Project (BYHP) on its Unlocking Potential programme, a five-week course to help young people aged 16 to 25 build their confidence, gain qualifications, identify personal goals and to acquire life and work related skills, helping them to move into full time employment.