UNEMPLOYMENT has fallen slightly to a new low since the start of the Covid pandemic, the figures for the district show.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows that the number of people on out-of-work benefits across Bradford has dropped by 15.9 per cent since a high in March this year.

The claimant count for October is 27,080 - a rate of 8.1 per cent - and is approaching the figure of 24,675 in April last year as the effects of the pandemic first began to bite.

It is however, only a slight drop from the previous month, with adjusted data for September data showing a total of 27,165 claimants.

Regionally the unemployment rate was much lower at 5.1 per cent and lower still at 4.8 per cent nationally.

Figures show that more than 100,000 young people have had a career boost through the Government's £2 billion Kickstart Scheme which provides six months paid placements for people aged 16 to 24.

It continues to be a major factor in supporting the reduction in unemployment amongst young people on Universal Credit.

In Bradford a successful two day Kickstart event was held recently at Bradford City Football Club, with nearly 70 employers ranging from larger organisations such as NHS and Incommunities to sole traders talking to young people and offering placements on the spot.

One employer said there was "a really high calibre of participants, both excellent and diverse" and how good it was "to see the range of young people looking for work".

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: "With over 100,000 young people landing roles through the Kickstart scheme, more people on payrolls this quarter in all corners of the country, and unemployment continuing to fall, it is clear our Plan for Jobs is working.

"From Ashford to Aberdeen, our brilliant DWP Work Coaches are matching jobseekers to local vacancies in growing sectors and supporting people – at any age and any career stage – to seize that next opportunity, get into work and progress.”

Angela Mcvay of the DWP in Bradford said they were running a Back to Work Provider event this week for over 50s with a range of organisations offering advice and support from how to complete a CV, interview techniques, digital job search, training and other support around mental health and wellbeing.

She added that a second temporary job centre in the district, at Bradford Kingsgate was opening its doors tomorrow with a further 34 work coaches able to provide to support to those seeking work in the age 25 to 49 bracket.

She added: "Taking on a job just before Christmas, even temporary is a great way for jobseekers to build key skills and confidence. Its also a good way of giving themselves the best chance of securing a permanent role if one becomes available.

"We are currently supporting a number of local employers to recruit staff for Christmas and recently ran a Christmas Jobsfair with over 30 employers at our new Jobcentre at Aldermanbury House."