A new report reveals high unemployment in a Cambridgeshire area, with one in fourteen residents out of work. National plans aim to boost employment.
A report shows UK job issues. About 1.5 million folks are unemployed, while over nine million are not working. Long-term sickness keeps 2.8 million from work. The UK’s employment rate fell in five years.
Recent data shows jobless benefit claims. 1.7 million people claim benefits and claimants must seek work actively. Around 298,000 are young, aged 18 to 24.
Cambridgeshire had over 18,000 jobless people. Three thousand were teens or young adults. Claims rose by 10% since 2023, and benefit changes affected these numbers this May.
Every area in Cambridgeshire saw more claims. Peterborough had the biggest rise, 18%, and Peterborough’s jobless rate is highest there, ranking 47th in the UK.
About 5,860 Peterborough residents seek jobs. This equals about 7.1% of its population, meaning one in fourteen are jobless there. North East Cambridgeshire follows at 3.7%. North West Cambridgeshire is next at 3.5%.
Huntingdon’s rate sits lower at 2.3%. South Cambridgeshire has the lowest rate: 1.7%. The government plans to help; they invest £240 million into this goal.
They want to fix the root causes of joblessness. This includes addressing health problems, aiming to cut NHS wait times, and expanding mental health support. Preventing illness comes first.
Jobcentres will change too. A new service focuses on skills and this service won’t just track benefits; it will now focus on careers.
The government wants Britain working and aims to reach an 80% rate. Local plans link work, health, and skills. Welfare reform must be fairer, and people need support to find work.
Plans will reform health benefits soon. The goal assists sick or disabled people and helps them work if they can. Support comes first for those who need it.
A charity views both joblessness and inactivity. Economic inactivity grew since 2020; long-term sickness explains most of that rise. Young adults unable to work doubled, and health issues impact people’s work ability.
The charity offers varied support and they address financial concerns too. They’ve seen debt advice demand rise as clients struggle with rising living costs. Rents, mortgages, and bills are higher.
Education gaps hinder work as well. Financial issues make it harder and relationship problems play a part. Housing troubles are a factor, and personal struggles matter, too. Inactivity costs England over £9 billion. Mental health is a leading cause, and urgent action is needed to address it.