THE number of people claiming unemployment benefit and universal credit in Barnsley was 4,655 in February, latest monthly figures show.
The figure was 7.6 per cent up on the previous month, and 30 per cent up on the same month last year, but 42 per cent down when compared to the same month five years ago.
Changes to the benefit system and the way figures are recorded mean some of those included in the figure will be in work but claiming universal credit - including those previously on housing benefit or tax credits.
The figure for those aged 18 to 24 claiming the same benefits is now 930, which is a 5.7 per cent increase on the month before, an 18 per cent increase from the same month last year, but a 64 per cent fall compared to five years ago.
Nigel Coleman, from Jobcentre Plus, said there were a lot of vacancies still available, and a lot of work being done to help those who have been long-term unemployed to get back to work.
“WebHelp, the Contact Centre at Manvers has more than 100 vacancies, while Capita is looking for 200 plus.
“We’ve also been working with Stagecoach which is looking to recruit apprentice bus drivers. We’ve just had 17 gone forward, and they have committed to working with us in the future.”
