EAST Hampshire MP Damian Hinds has welcomed the news that unemployment across the UK remains at the lowest rate for more than a decade – down nearly 900,000 since 2010 – according to the latest labour market figures.

And with a near-record level of 31.8 million people now in work, both key measures are stronger than this time last year.

Last Wednesday’s figures also showed that the employment rate among women is now at record levels, there are more than 500,000 more disabled people in work over the past three years, and the number of young people unemployed is at the lowest level in more than 12 years.

In East Hampshire, the number of people claiming the key out-of-work benefits remains largely unchanged at 325 – an 11 per cent reduction (equivalent to 40 claimants) which puts it at 628th out of 650 constituencies for the lowest claimant rates in the country.

Mr Hinds said: “It’s a good start to the year, with numbers that demonstrate the economy is showing strength and resilience right across the country. The 2.7 per cent growth in wages is also a welcome boost as we continue to focus on growth and stability in the months ahead.”

Hazel Prior, employment adviser for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), based at Aldershot Jobcentre Plus but responsible also for the Alton and Bordon area, said: “2017 started well with a variety of opportunities to enable our claimants to overcome any barriers they may have and get into sustainable employment.”

One of the areas currently being tackled by DWP work coaches is identifying claimants who struggle with stammering, which acts as a barrier to finding work. Jobcentre Plus is working with the British Stammering Association (BSA) to refer claimants to the helpline for support. Support is also available for employers to help people meet their full potential. People who stammer can be found in pretty much every job and there is a lot of support for employing, developing and supporting people in the workplace who stammer. The BSA helpline number is 0208 800 6590.

In Alton, for those with some IT skills but who feel they need to refresh or improve, Hill McManus is offering a free level one certificate in IT user skills. Suitable for anyone looking to improve their IT skills or prove them to prospective employers, the course runs for 10 days and is being held at Alton House Hotel.

In addition, the post office at Bentley is looking for a retail assistant to work 1pm to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and Saturday morning from 9am to 12.30pm. Applicants must be computer literate, but full retail training will be given. Call 01420 22266 to apply.

Following meetings with IT training and resource provider Devacademy, Jobcentre Plus is able to offer a new route into the technology industry, providing excellent opportunities for those who may find it difficult. Devacademy can offer training to develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in IT through a four to six-week fast-track course, with travel costs reimbursed.

There is a major employer offering full-time roles in the Hook area. Anyone who may have studied ICT at college, or those who are self-taught, would be ideal for this opportunity.

And there is another chance to join the Vine Catering programme. This is a four-week course for 15 hours per week and will cover health and safety, customer service and complaint handling, how to find and apply for catering jobs, and will also enable those attending to gain a food hygiene certificate.

With hospitality being a big industry in the area, help will be given to find and apply for catering jobs. Inductions are being held tomorrow (Friday) at Aldershot Jobcentre.

Radian Housing if offering people who are interested in a career in construction the chance the gain a free Construction Skills Certification Scheme card. This five-day course will be held at Mill Chase School, Bordon, and is suitable for those with no experience. It will cover health and safety, City and Guilds construction level one, and will provide mock papers to help those attending pass their test. Booking is essential. Call Lucy Counter on 01425 485008.

In Oakhanger, a company is offering a 12-month full-time apprenticeship in IT for a young person aged from 16 to 24. The company sells and supports computer systems, custom-built workstations, servers and storage solutions. The apprenticeship includes weekly day release to the 3aaa Technology Academy in Guildford to work toward a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship for IT, software, web and telecoms professionals.

A 15-month apprenticeship is offered in Bordon for a 16 to 24 year old interested in working for a specialist computer technology company. The company provides clients with IT support and associated services needed to run their business.

In both cases, applicants should ideally have a minimum of four GCSEs, of grade C or better, including maths, English and ICT or equivalent.

For either of these apprenticeships, e-mail a CV to [email protected].

For more details on any of these opportunities, call Hazel Prior on 01252 356511.