Youth Unemployment In Wrexham Decreases

The number of young people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in Wrexham has reportedly dropped in the last 12 months.

New figures have shown the number of people aged between 18 and 24 claiming JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) in the area dropped from 8.4% to 6.9% in 2013.

However the rate in Wrexham is still above the Wales and Great Britain average.

The figures are revealed in a report on Youth Unemployment in Wrexham, which is due to go before the Employment, Business & Investment Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday.

JSA figures are released on a monthly basis, with the most recent figures dated from December 2013. Below is a breakdown of a graph showing the percentage of JSA in Wrexham from last year.

Within the report it states that since 2009 reducing the number of young people who are ‘NEET’ (Not in education, employment or training) has been a priority for Wrexham.

The NEET The Project Management Group in Wrexham includes partners such as Careers Wales, Job Centre Plus, 14-19 Network, Coleg Cambria and ITEC, and it is responsible for the implementation of the NEETs action plan and the Youth
Engagement and Progression Framework.

Since 2009 the town has seen a ‘steady decline’ in the number of year 11 leavers who are not in education, employment or training. In 2009 figures showed 9.6% of year 11 leavers were ‘NEET’, compared to 3.2 in 2012.

However the numbers of young people who are not in education, employment or training after leaving year 12 or 13 are still a priority for Wrexham as they have not seen the same level of improvement.

In October 2013 the Welsh Government launched the Youth Engagement and Progression Framework to assist Local Authorities in supporting young people into education, employment and training.

Wrexham has been involved in the pilot scheme since 2012 and as a result has been awarded £50k to help those who are at risk of NEET.

The Employment, Business & Investment Scrutiny Committee on Wednesday at 6:15pm. The full report can be viewed here.