WALTHAM FOREST: Concern over competition for jobs (From This Is Local London)

WALTHAM FOREST: Concern over competition for jobs

11:15am Tuesday 30th August 2011 in News By Daniel Binns

THERE are at least 25 people chasing each job in Waltham Forest - the second highest rate in London.

According to the office of national statistics, there are 9,455 residents in the borough on unemployment benefits, but only 375 job centre vacancies.

Union the GMB says it is "seriously concerned" at the latest figures, which show that 2.49 million people nationwide are unemployed.

While the average ratio of jobseekers to vacancies in London is 11, Waltham Forest's is one of the worst in the country with an employment rate of 64.5 per cent.

Worst is Haringey, which has a ratio of 28 jobseekers for every vacancy.

However Conservatives such as Waltham Forest party leader Cllr Matt Davis have accused the GMB of "spinning" unemployment statistics, and said many people in the capital do not stay within borough boundaries when working or looking for jobs.

But Paul Kenny, GMB general secretary, said the figures were worrying and blamed the Tory and Lib Dem Government's cuts for "stalling" the economy.

He said: "These important figures on unemployment must be a serious cause for concern for both the Government and the communities affected.

"GMB experience is that the position on the ground is getting worse. With government getting rid of tens of thousands of public sector jobs and with the private sector either stalling or going backwards the outlook in many areas is very worrying bordering on bleak."

But Employment Minister Chris Grayling said:"These are disappointing figures but we always said that the road to recovery would be choppy.

"Clearly this has been a difficult few months with a range of one-off factors and a slowdown in the world economy having an impact on the UK. This is why is we are focused on taking steps to increase growth, support the economy and encourage businesses to invest and create jobs.”

Waltham Forest Council is holding a jobs fair at the Assembly Room by the town hall in Forest Road, Walthamstow, on Tuesday September 6.

Cllr Afzal Akram, cabinet member for corporate resources, business and employment, said: “The Waltham Forest Jobs Fair is running between 10am and 4pm and promises opportunities for work with dozens of local employers who will be looking to meet prospective employees.”

Businesses attending include Matalan, TGI Fridays and The Armed Forces, along with The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

There will also be advice on training, interview techniques and CV writing.

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