YORK’S jobs levels are a good news story. The number claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) has fallen further below pre-recession levels to 1,790, decreasing 141 from the previous month – to 1.3 per cent of the working-age population.

The region stands at 3.4 per cent. Since May 2013, the number of JSA claimants decreased by 35 per cent. The number of 18-24year old young unemployment claimants are at all time best levels. They fell from 835 in May 2012 by almost 60 per cent to 325 (1.1 per cent) this May and halved in the last year.

We know that some of these jobs are low wage or part time, and that working people are still facing a cost of living crisis. The Economic Scrutiny Committee is researching how to assist York’s economy to increase the level of overall wages with higher value jobs. One task force is looking at entrepreneurialism, new start ups and risk taking. Another is studying increasing online skills. This is partly in order that business use of the forthcoming high digital speeds in the city will be maximised.

Businesses of any size can apply to for Superfast North Yorkshire training and grants; phone 0845 0020021.

Cllr Anna Semlyen, Chair of Economic Scrutiny, Labour, Dringhouses and Woodthorpe.