The latest figures show that 674 people had registered as unemployed at the Job Centre at the end of last year but the number could be higher as it is thought a number of school leavers have not added their names to the list.Nearly 200 more people who have lived in Jersey more than ten years were out of work at the end of 2003 compared to the figures at the end of October.The latest figures from the Employment and Social Security Committee show that the numbers of unemployed rose by 32 in December compared to the end of November but had jumped from 485 at the end of October last year.
A year earlier at the end of October 2002, only 218 people were registered as unemployed.The new programme to encourage employers to take on out-of-work people is being launched on Wednesday morning at the Employment and Social Security Department.
There will be a £500 incentive for businesses to hire unemployed people for six months, during which the employee will be given training and assistance to improve their skills.Employment and Social Security Committee president Senator Paul Routier said that the initiative will be formally launched by the Economic Development Committee on Wednesday next week.It will be a joint initiative between three States committees.
The programme will be administered by the Training and Employment Partnership – part of Economic Development – Employment and Social Security and Highlands College, which is the responsibility of the Education, Sport and Culture Committee.David Rose, customer services director at Employment and Social Security, said it was not a job creation scheme as such but was designed to ‘enhance the employability’ of people currently out of work.
‘Employers will receive a £500 incentive to employ someone for six months who is currently registered as unemployed.
Hopefully, the job will continue after that time.
The employee’s skill gaps will be identified and the individual will undertake training or courses designed to address those skill gaps,’ he said.
