- The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for August is 4,841. This is an increase of 4 on the previous month.
- West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.3% is higher than both the Scottish (4.1%) and Great Britain (3.6%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 10th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.
- Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for August is 1,580. This is a small increase of 5 on the last month.
- There were 1,074 notified Jobcentre vacancies in August - a net increase of 331 from July 2010.
- The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 5 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres, which is a good improvement on last month's ratio of 7 jobseekers. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 4.8:1, Great Britain is 3.6:1 with East Renfrewshire having the highest ratio of 13.9:1 (14 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released
The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Flexible Training Opportunities
Flexible Training Opportunities gives businesses with under 50 employees the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 towards employee training costs.
Launched by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and supported by the European Social Fund, it aims to help small businesses become more resilient and to boost productivity and success. Funding is available for up to 10 employees per business and the money is not a loan so there's no need to pay it back.
SDS will refund up to 50% of each episode of employee training up to a maximum of £500 per employee. It effectively means you can double your training investment. Or it might help you introduce some training when you thought it wouldn't be possible.
The application process is simple and the rewards can really make a difference. Many businesses have already taken advantage of the offer. For advice on how to apply, companies should call free on 0800 783 6000.
Launched by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) and supported by the European Social Fund, it aims to help small businesses become more resilient and to boost productivity and success. Funding is available for up to 10 employees per business and the money is not a loan so there's no need to pay it back.
SDS will refund up to 50% of each episode of employee training up to a maximum of £500 per employee. It effectively means you can double your training investment. Or it might help you introduce some training when you thought it wouldn't be possible.
The application process is simple and the rewards can really make a difference. Many businesses have already taken advantage of the offer. For advice on how to apply, companies should call free on 0800 783 6000.
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Conference aims to create brighter future
Inspiring local business leaders to help create a brighter future for our upcoming workforce is the main aim of the West Lothian Economic Conference 2010.
Tackling youth unemployment will be the theme of this year's annual economic conference, which takes place on Tuesday, 14 September, 2010 at Howden Park Centre in Livingston.
Entitled 'Harnessing West Lothian's Talent ? Creating Real Employment Opportunities', the free conference has been organised by the West Lothian Economic Partnership, and aims to show that West Lothian's young and growing population are its biggest asset for employers.
The increase in unemployment caused by the recession is having a greater impact on young people, and the conference aims to inspire local organisations to get involved in national and local employment initiatives to support the future workforce by highlighting instances of best practice.
Drawing on their own organisation's experiences, speakers will show how public and private sector collaboration can achieve real results.
West Lothian Council's Executive councillor development and transport, Martyn Day, said: "Youth unemployment is a major waste of the talent and enthusiasm that young people can bring to our economy.
"The challenge is to ensure that we are encouraging them to contribute by providing links to opportunities in the job market."
The new West Lothian Working Together employer engagement service will be launched at the conference.
Under this new joint initiative, local employment services have come together to co-ordinate a single, simple source of support to help West Lothian employers make the most of the employment support initiatives that are available.
Register for this free event to discuss West Lothian's future workforce by calling 01506 777938 or by emailing brenda.cumming@wlchamber.com
Tackling youth unemployment will be the theme of this year's annual economic conference, which takes place on Tuesday, 14 September, 2010 at Howden Park Centre in Livingston.
Entitled 'Harnessing West Lothian's Talent ? Creating Real Employment Opportunities', the free conference has been organised by the West Lothian Economic Partnership, and aims to show that West Lothian's young and growing population are its biggest asset for employers.
The increase in unemployment caused by the recession is having a greater impact on young people, and the conference aims to inspire local organisations to get involved in national and local employment initiatives to support the future workforce by highlighting instances of best practice.
Drawing on their own organisation's experiences, speakers will show how public and private sector collaboration can achieve real results.
West Lothian Council's Executive councillor development and transport, Martyn Day, said: "Youth unemployment is a major waste of the talent and enthusiasm that young people can bring to our economy.
"The challenge is to ensure that we are encouraging them to contribute by providing links to opportunities in the job market."
The new West Lothian Working Together employer engagement service will be launched at the conference.
Under this new joint initiative, local employment services have come together to co-ordinate a single, simple source of support to help West Lothian employers make the most of the employment support initiatives that are available.
Register for this free event to discuss West Lothian's future workforce by calling 01506 777938 or by emailing brenda.cumming@wlchamber.com
Nisa to create 100 jobs in Livingston
One hundred new jobs are to be created in Livingston with the opening of a distribution depot.
Nisa-Today's is to create the posts at its 195,000 square feet distribution depot, set to open at Deans Industrial Estate in November.
Nisa-Today's is to create the posts at its 195,000 square feet distribution depot, set to open at Deans Industrial Estate in November.
Council bring in more apprentices
A new batch of apprentices has joined the ranks at West Lothian Council.
This year's intake of 17 newcomers will be spread across the council's Housing and Building Services, Neighbourhood Environmental teams and Land Services, and Operational Services.
The budding new trades people consist of: two horticulture apprentices, four roads apprentices, three electricians, three joiners, one bricklayer, two painters and two roofers. The new batch will take the total number of apprentices working for the council to 82.
Frank Anderson, Executive Councillor for Services for the Community, added: "West Lothian Council has a strong tradition of providing career opportunities to local people, through the apprenticeship programme.
"An investment in our apprentices, is an investment for the future. We will always need skilled trades people and we're delighted to have the next generation on board.
"Our skilled trades people will help ensure that the new apprentices develop strong, practical on the job training combined with theory practice."
This year's intake of 17 newcomers will be spread across the council's Housing and Building Services, Neighbourhood Environmental teams and Land Services, and Operational Services.
The budding new trades people consist of: two horticulture apprentices, four roads apprentices, three electricians, three joiners, one bricklayer, two painters and two roofers. The new batch will take the total number of apprentices working for the council to 82.
Frank Anderson, Executive Councillor for Services for the Community, added: "West Lothian Council has a strong tradition of providing career opportunities to local people, through the apprenticeship programme.
"An investment in our apprentices, is an investment for the future. We will always need skilled trades people and we're delighted to have the next generation on board.
"Our skilled trades people will help ensure that the new apprentices develop strong, practical on the job training combined with theory practice."
Volunteers wanted for young people mentoring programme
Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian, in partnership with West Lothian Council's 'More Choices, More Chances' team, is running a year long pilot mentoring project for 14 to 19 year olds.
The young people are recognised as under-achieving at school or, in the case of the 16 to 19 age group, having difficulty in finding employment.
The pilot will provide trained volunteer mentors to work with individuals for at least two hours a week.
Two schools taking part in the pilot are Bathgate Academy and Broxburn Academy.
Volunteer mentors will receive training and support throughout the pilot year. Training will take place at the Voluntary Sector Gateway in Bathgate from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday 14, and Thursday 16 September.
Soon after training is completed, volunteer mentors will be matched to a young person who will have read their profile and asked to meet with them.
Anyone interested in becoming involved, should contact Maureen Mancini or or James Penman on 01506-650111 or Email maureen.mancini@vsgwl.org
The young people are recognised as under-achieving at school or, in the case of the 16 to 19 age group, having difficulty in finding employment.
The pilot will provide trained volunteer mentors to work with individuals for at least two hours a week.
Two schools taking part in the pilot are Bathgate Academy and Broxburn Academy.
Volunteer mentors will receive training and support throughout the pilot year. Training will take place at the Voluntary Sector Gateway in Bathgate from 6pm to 9pm on Tuesday 14, and Thursday 16 September.
Soon after training is completed, volunteer mentors will be matched to a young person who will have read their profile and asked to meet with them.
Anyone interested in becoming involved, should contact Maureen Mancini or or James Penman on 01506-650111 or Email maureen.mancini@vsgwl.org
Monday, 6 September 2010
Boost for jobs as Scottish bosses bullish on recruiting
MORE than half of Scottish businesses expect to recruit more staff over the coming year, according to a report out today, delivering a timely boost just days after two of the country's biggest employers announced swingeing job cuts.
Research by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks found that 56 per cent of Scottish firms plan to increase their workforce over the next 12 months, with a third looking to take on more staff at managerial level.
Research by Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks found that 56 per cent of Scottish firms plan to increase their workforce over the next 12 months, with a third looking to take on more staff at managerial level.
Wetherspoon looks to the younger generation as it takes on teenagers
One of Britain's biggest pubs groups with a strong Scottish presence is to create 1,000 jobs for 16- and 17-year-olds in the face of a testing market for school-leavers.
JD Wetherspoon, which has nearly 800 pubs in the UK including about 40 in Scotland, said the current tough employment environment for young people, including many teenagers struggling to get university places, was "at the forefront of our minds" in launching the initiative.The company said the 16- and 17-year-olds would be employed both "front of house" and in the kitchens, delivering food and coffees to customers, tidying up and generally helping with the smooth running of outlets. However, they will not serve alcoholic drinks as that is prohibited by law.
JD Wetherspoon, which has nearly 800 pubs in the UK including about 40 in Scotland, said the current tough employment environment for young people, including many teenagers struggling to get university places, was "at the forefront of our minds" in launching the initiative.The company said the 16- and 17-year-olds would be employed both "front of house" and in the kitchens, delivering food and coffees to customers, tidying up and generally helping with the smooth running of outlets. However, they will not serve alcoholic drinks as that is prohibited by law.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
