Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures have been published for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for October is 4,148. This is a decrease of 292 on the previous month.


• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 3.6% is below both the Scottish (4.0%) and the Great Britain (3.8%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 13th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.


• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for October is 1,315. This is a decrease of 130 on the previous month.


• There were 1,889 notified jobcentre vacancies in October - an increase of 538 from September 2011.


• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 2 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian Jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland’s ratio is 3.6:1, Great Britain is 3.1:1 with Clackmannanshire having the highest ratio of 10.3:1 (10 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

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).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for August is 4,713. This is an increase of 23 on the previous month.


• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.1% is below the Scottish (4.3%) rate, but above the Great Britain (3.9%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 13th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.


• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for August is 1,550. This is a rise of 25 on last month.


• There were 967 notified jobcentre vacancies in August - a net decrease of 362 from July 2011.


• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 5 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian Jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland’s ratio is 6.3:1, Great Britain is 4.7:1 with Inverclyde having the highest ratio of 21.1:1 (21 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

New Enterprise Allowance scheme rolled out to West Lothian

The Government has recently rolled out the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) programme to West Lothian. The NEA provides support to start a business to Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) customers who have been claiming for 26-weeks or more.

Job Centre Plus needs to be contacted to confirm eligibility and for referral onto the programme.

Participants will get access to a volunteer business mentor who will provide guidance and support as they develop their business plan and through the early months of trading. Once a customer can demonstrate they have a viable business proposition with the potential for growth in the future, they will be able to access financial support. This will consist of:

• a weekly allowance worth £1,274 over 26 weeks, paid at £65 a week for the first 13 weeks and £33 a week for a further 13 weeks, and


• if they need start-up capital, they may also be able to access a loan up to £1,000 to help with their start-up costs.

The total package of support could be worth up to £2,274 to each participant who starts their own business.

Please read here for more on the NEA programme.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released for West Lothian

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures have been published for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for July is 4,690. This is an increase of 157 on the previous month.


• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.1% is below the Scottish (4.3%) rate, but above the Great Britain (3.8%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 14th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.


• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for July is 1,525. This is a rise of 95 on last month.


• There were 1,329 notified jobcentre vacancies in July - a net increase of 357 from June 2011.


• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 4 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian Jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland’s ratio is 5.3:1, Great Britain is 3.9:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 13.4:1 (13 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures have been published for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for June is 4,533. This is a decrease of 29 on the previous month.


• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.0% is below the Scottish (4.1%) rate, but above the Great Britain (3.7%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 12th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.


• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for June is 1,430. This is an increase of 50 on last month.


• There were 972 notified jobcentre vacancies in June - an increase of 26 from May 2011.


• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 5 jobseekers for every vacancy
  advertised in West Lothian Jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland’s ratio is 6.2:1, Great Britain is 4.7:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 16.3:1(16 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

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).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for April is 4,489. This is a decrease of 209 on the previous month.


• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.0% is below the Scottish (4.2%) rate, but above the Great Britain (3.7%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 12th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.


• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for April is 1,375. This a drop of 55 on last month.


• There were 1,426 notified jobcentre vacancies in April - a net increase of 400 from March 2011.The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 3 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian Jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland’s ratio is 5.3:1, Great Britain is 3.9:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 16.0:1 (16 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

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).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for March is 4,698. This is a decrease of 84 on the previous month.


• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.1% is below the Scottish (4.3%) rate, but above the Great Britain (3.8%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 12th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.


• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for March is 1,430. This a drop of 25 on last month.


• There were 1,026 notified jobcentre vacancies in March - a net decrease of 169 from February 2011.


• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 5 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian Jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland’s ratio is 6.6:1, Great Britain is 5.0:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 25.2:1 (25 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

The 2010 Scottish Employers Skill Survey

The latest results from the 2010 Scottish Employers Skill Survey are now available. The survey asked 6,001 employers in Scotland questions about a wide range of skills-related topics including recruitment and vacancies, skill shortages, skill gaps and training.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/03/03104018/1

West Lothian has highest fall in unemployment rate

A new economic report has revealed that West Lothian has the highest fall in unemployment figures of any local authority in Scotland.

The report, produced by Mackay Consultants, shows that West Lothian's rate of unemployment fell by 12.4% between January 2010 and January 2011. This is a particularly impressive achievement for the area, as unemployment across Scotland rose over this period by an average of 0.9%.

The report revealed rising levels of unemployment in 21 of Scotland's 32 local authorities over the period and next best fall in unemployment was achieved in Dumfries & Galloway with a fall of 7.6%.

West Lothian's unemployment rate is currently 4.0% (4,569 people). West Lothian’s rate has recently fallen below the Scottish average (4.3%) although it is still slightly above the Great Britain (3.8%) rate.

Percentage Change in Unemployment, January 2010 - January 2011 by local authority:

West Lothian 12.4% decrease
Dumfries and Galloway 7.6% decrease
Na h-Eileanan Siar 5.0% decrease
South Lanarkshire 4.9% decrease
Edinburgh 3.7% decrease
East Renfrewshire 3.4% decrease
East Dunbartonshire 2.8% decrease
North Lanarkshire 2.4% decrease
South Ayrshire 2.4% decrease
North Ayrshire 2.2% decrease
Inverclyde 1.2% decrease
Scotland 0.9% increase
Midlothian 0.9% increase
Fife 1.2% increase
East Lothian 3.1% increase
Scottish Borders 3.1% increase
East Ayrshire 3.7% increase
West Dunbartonshire 3.7% increase
Renfrewshire 3.8% increase
Moray 4.0% increase
Glasgow 4.1% increase
Aberdeen 4.2% increase
Perth and Kinross 4.3% increase
Falkirk 4.9% increase
Angus 5.4% increase
Dundee 5.7% increase
Argyll and Bute 6.0% increase
Stirling 6.4% increase
Highland 6.7% increase
Clackmannanshire 7.7% increase
Aberdeenshire 10.0% increase
Shetland 17.3% increase
Orkney 22.8% increase

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest employment and and Jobcentre vacacies have been released. Notably, West Lothian’s unemployment rate continues to remain below the Scottish average.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for February is 4,782. This is an increase of 213 on the previous month.
  
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.2% is below the Scottish (4.3%) rate, but above the Great Britain (3.8%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 13th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.


• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for February is 1,455. This a rise of 125 on last month.
  
• There were 857 notified jobcentre vacancies in February - a net decrease of 66 from January 2011.


• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 6 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian Jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland’s ratio is 6.5:1, Great Britain is 5.0:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 24.9:1 (25 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

Swinney announces £10m jobs fund

Up to 5,000 people will be helped into work in Scotland thanks to a new £10 million funding package, Finance Secretary John Swinney announced.
http://breakingnews.heraldscotland.com/breaking-news/?mode=article&site=hs&id=N0096991298380201859A

Oatridge "Excellence" applauded by Inspectors

HM Inspectorate of Education has has praised Oatridge College in West Lothian for preparing students for the world of work.

Programmes in Environmental and Countryside Management and in Equine Studies are singled out in a glowing report, following an in-depth external review at the specialist land-based college last November. It builds on findings three years ago when Inspectors named five examples of "innovative and sector-leading practice."

In the 20-page report the Inspectors express their confidence that at Oatridge: "Learners are progressing well and achieving relevant, high quality outcomes.

"The strong focus on providing a service which is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence is inspiring to staff and learners and contributes to an ethos of constant improvement."

Oatridge Principal David James says: "This is an excellent report. We are delighted that our efforts to become a centre of excellence for landbased education, training and enterprise have again been recognised. It is a tribute to our dedicated and highly skilled staff, the quality of our students and the programmes, systems and resources we have been able to put in place to help all of our learners reach their full potential."

For more information visit http://www.oatridge.ac.uk/

West Lothian College offers new route to degree

West Lothian College are offering students a new route to university through an articulation agreement recently signed with Edinburgh Napier University.

The agreement will help students studying HND Computing-Technical Support at the College join the 3rd year of a BSc (Hons) in Network Computing from August this year, following the successful completion of the course. Students studying the HND in Computing-Technical Support this year have been able to apply through UCAS.

ELRAH (Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and Borders Regional Articulation Hub) liaised with both partners (university and college) to agree on the articulation agreement. The agreement was signed by Mhairi Laughlin, Principal and Chief Executive of West Lothian College and Bob Rankin, Depute Dean of Faculty at Edinburgh Napier University.

West Lothian College has good relationships with numerous universities including, Edinburgh Napier, Heriot Watt, Stirling, Queen Margaret University and the Open University.

ELRAH are working with the College to secure more formal agreements with the universities.

Mairi Taggart, ELRAH Articulation Support Advisor at West Lothian College commented: "ELRAH provides support for students who are applying for places at university through our articulation routes. West Lothian College have a successful ongoing relationship with Edinburgh Napier University and we are building on existing articulation agreements that are already in place for other courses. We hope to increase the articulation agreements between West Lothian College and Edinburgh Napier University in the future."

Colin Miller, Head of Skills Centre at West Lothian College commented: "We are delighted with this articulation agreement in computing which follows on from a recent agreement for engineering courses. These agreements endorse the work carried out by ELRAH and the Institutions in providing advancement opportunities for our learners, to Higher Education.

"These guaranteed places at University for successful students not only enhance their motivation, but develops confidence in their work, and in their future opportunities."

The HND Computing-Technical Support course is designed for those who wish to follow a career in computing or information technology. Students will study subjects such as computer hardware, installation and maintenance, building local area networks and project management.

David Wallace (45) from Livingston, who is a student on the HND Computing - Technical Support course said: "This has come at a great time for me as I have applied for the BSc (Hons) Network Computing course at Edinburgh Napier University. With university places becoming so competitive, the articulation agreement between West Lothian College and Edinburgh Napier University has increased my chances of securing a place."

For further information on the HND Computing Technical-Support course, or any other courses available for study at West Lothian College, please call 01506 427605 or visit http://www.west-lothian.ac.uk/.

Council welcomes £1.5 million European Funding

European funding totalling £1.5 million which will benefit local businesses, people starting new businesses and young people seeking work has been officially accepted by West Lothian Council.
The funds will be invested in supporting these target groups through two key partnership projects:

The Business Gateway Plus European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) project aims to extend the scope of Business Gateway's existing services and respond to the current economic climate by supporting more companies and potential enterprises. The funding of £424,000 will deliver:

* Specialist e-business advice to assist existing enterprises maximise the potential of their websites, e-marketing and generate additional sales.
* Growth consultancy support for companies unable to access Scottish Enterprise account management.
* Entrepreneurship targeting underrepresented groups.

The Skills Pipeline European Social Fund (ESF) project has secured funding for two years of £1.08 million. The project will increase provide training opportunities for young people who are not in employment or training and provide practical support to help young people find and sustain a job.

West Lothian's executive councillor for Development and Transport, Martyn Day commented:

"West Lothian Council warmly welcomes this significant funding package, which provides a boost for local businesses, entrepreneurs and young people."

BUSINESS INVESTMENT SHOWS JOB GAINS IN WEST LOTHIAN

West Lothian, at the hub of the Scottish economy in Central Scotland, has welcomed the news that, despite the recession, the latest employment figures show that the area has gained 1,000 new jobs.

The figures come from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES), released 8 Dec 2010. http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/articles/526.aspx

According to these stats, West Lothian jobs in 2009 were at 80,321 compared to 79,302 in 2008.

The area has seen a number of positive developments in recent months. At Starlaw Park, Bathgate Glen Turner opened its new whisky distillery, and specialist ink firm Paragon Inks began the construction of a brand new, bespoke £3.5million 23,000 square foot manufacturing facility, which will allow them to triple their present production.

On Livingston’s Alba Campus, Glenmorangie opened their new whisky bottling plant, and biotechnology company Quintiles saw the opening of their new laboratory.

Strengthening the area’s retail sector, the new Sainsbury’s store opened in Almondvale, Livingston in time for Christmas trading, and Dobbies began work on their new £8million garden centre at Houston Mains, on track to open this Spring. Site work is also underway for the eagerly awaited Primark store in Livingston’s Centre.

Other firms growing in the area include Schuh who have announced significant expansion plans, and satellite broadcaster BSkyB - which employs over 4,000 people in Livingston - announced that it has passed its target of reaching 10 million customers. Fibre Photonics, Helia Photonics, AB Simulation and Balfour Beatty Rail Track are also finding a supportive environment for expansion in West Lothian.

West Lothian welcomed new business arrivals Epistemy and Optoscribe - winners of the Innovation Challenge -– who moved into the Alba Innovation Centre. Other new arrivals include Nisa Today, Planet of UK and Batt Cables Plc.
A local infrastructure development of significance across Central Scotland was the opening of the new Bathgate – Airdrie rail link in December. The new route allows passengers to travel direct to West Lothian from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Access to West Lothian from Glasgow and West Central Scotland will be further enhanced by the upgrading of a six-mile stretch of the A8 in North Lanarkshire to motorway status. Ministers have given the go-ahead and it is hoped tenders for the work will be approved in 2011/2012.

South Lanarkshire provides new employability programme

The inclusiveness Programme is an innovative flexible employability programme managed by South Lanarkshire Council's Routes to Inclusion Team and delivered by South Lanarkshire College at various outreach venues across the area. The programme provides vocational training courses geared towards supporting people living in deprived areas take their first steps back into employment, further education or training.


Find out more about the programme.

New jobs for young people in Third Sector

The Scottish Government is to invest a further £10 million in 2011-12 to support unemployed young people into work and training opportunities in a new programme, Community Jobs Scotland.

The funding will primarily support 16-24 year olds unemployed for six months or more into a job within a third sector organisation in their community. There will also be opportunities for older unemployed people in those areas where unemployment is highest. The initiative will be rolled out across Scotland providing young people with six-month contracts of 25 hours or more per week, for at least the minimum wage.

The SCVO and Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition will work in partnership with Scottish Government to deliver the scheme which will provide opportunities for up to 2,000 participants, to support:

• An opportunity for unemployed people to move into a job in the third sector for a minimum of six months which would allow them to make a contribution to their communities;
• Enhancement of longer term job prospects for participants through concrete job experience;
• Job specific training;
• Additional training which enhances the participant's wider prospects of securing a permanent job; and
• Support for the third sector as it seeks to continue to deliver services to communities across Scotland.

Read more about this scheme.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest January 2011 unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures have been published for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures). As expected, unemployment has risen slightly with seasonal recruitment tailing off, however, West Lothian continues for a fourth month to have an unemployment rate lower than the Scottish average.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for January is 4,569 up from 4,257 in December. This is an increase of 312 and was expected given the usual seasonal labour market tendency of firms to release temporary staff in December and January.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.0% is below the Scottish (4.3%) rate; but above the Great Britain (3.7%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 11th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for January is 1,330. This is an increase of 105 on the last month.
• There were 606 notified Jobcentre vacancies in January - a net decrease of 317 from December 2010. This is again an expected seasonal trend – there were 632 vacancies in January 2010.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 8 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 10:1, Great Britain is 6.2:1 with Orkney having the highest ratio of 33.9 (34 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

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). As expected, unemployment has risen slightly with seasonal recruitment tailing off, however, West Lothian continues for a third month to have an unemployment rate lower than the Scottish average; a rate not experienced for two years.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for December is 4,257. This is an increase of 84 on the previous month.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 3.8% is below the Scottish (4.0%) rate; but above the Great Britain (3.5%) rate. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 11th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for December is 1,225. This is an increase of 25 on the last month.
• There were 923 notified Jobcentre vacancies in December - a net increase of 116 from November 2010.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies stands at 5 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 7.5:1, Great Britain is 5.1:1 with North Ayrshire having the highest ratio of 27.6 (28 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.