YOUTH unemployment in Brighton and Hove has dropped by a staggering 62 per cent in the last five years.

There are currently 550 young people aged 18-24 claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit, a fall of six per cent on the same time a year ago.

Steve Benwell, district relationship manager at the Department for Work and Pensions based in Brighton, is delighted.

He said: “The 62 per cent drop is a remarkable achievement and testament to the hard work going on city-wide to provide a comprehensive offer of support to unemployed youngsters.

“There really is so much activity based around training and helping young people.

“Work experience is one area we are looking at, and we are engaged in a positive relationship with the local NHS at the moment.”

Official figures nationally show that the unemployment rate has remained at a near record low of 4.4 per cent, down from 4.8 per cent a year earlier.

Overall, there are 3180 on the claimant count for the city. Given the fact that these figures now include people on Universal Credit who are working and may just be claiming help with housing costs or child tax credits, this is, again, a very pleasing result.

There are currently 550 young people aged 18-24 claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Universal Credit, a fall of 6% on the same time a year ago. This represents a 62% drop in youth unemployment over the past 5 years in the city, a remarkable achievement and testament to the hard work going on city wide to provide a comprehensive offer of support to unemployed youngsters.

There are daily careers advice sessions and regular jobsfairs taking place in the jobcentre, and whether you want to train or gain experience in construction, security, graphic design, administration, or a customer service role, there are plenty of free offers available.

Skills Training UK, for example, have recently launched a work placement programme for young people in partnership with the local NHS…..Mike Eaton, of Skills Training is a contact if you wished to discuss or profile this initiative. His contact details are as follows: michaeleaton@skillstraining.com or call the Skills Training UK Brighton Centre on 01273 567765.