A GLIMMER of hope has emerged for people losing their jobs as the recession bites in the York area.

While an extra 360 people claimed Jobseekers Allowance in York in February, official statistics have revealed that the number of unfilled vacancies at York’s Job Centre Plus outlets rose by more than 300.

The figures show there were 1,186 vacancies in February, compared with only 883 in January and 1,071 in December.

The February figure means that 2.9 claimants were chasing each job, compared with 5.9 claimants per vacancy nationwide and 7.8 claimants per vacancy across the Yorkshire and Humber region. Statistics for previous years show that there is normally a seasonal increase in vacancies in February, but not always to the extent of this year’s rise. For example, in February last year, the number of vacancies increased by 173 on the figure for January.

The Job Centre Plus website reveals a wide range of positions are available, from waiting staff on the minimum wage to a senior commercial technician on up to £38,000 a year. Others include play leaders, financial advisers, an electric meter fitter, marketing manager and retail manager.

In North Yorkshire, there were 2,847 unfilled vacancies, meaning 3.4 people chasing every job, while in East Yorkshire there were 725, equating to 9.5 claimants per unfilled vacancy.

In Selby, there were 269 vacancies, leaving six claimants for each job, and in Ryedale there were 111 vacancies, with 6.6 claimants chasing each job.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said it was pleased to have been able to advertise more vacancies in York and the surrounding areas. “We know it is difficult for people who have lost their jobs and who are looking for work and we are committed to help them as much as possible,” he said.

“We also know there are still employers looking for workers and we believe Jobcentre Plus is ideally placed to link those looking for work with those looking for workers.”

“People can access local vacancies and jobs in the UK and abroad online at www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk, and employers can contact us through that site too.”