Essex council has employment support amid unemployment rise

Official Office for National Statistics (ONS) data shows this time last year the unemployment rate was 4.3 per cent, showing how an increasing number of people are out of work.

Experts says young people are particularly impacted, as employment among 18- to 34-year-olds has now reached 8.7 per cent in the UK.

Essex residents are also impacted. Using 2023 ONS data, in north and mid-Essex, Tendring was recorded as the area with the lowest percentage of people aged 16 to 24 in employment, with just 66.6 per cent in employment, compared with Maldon – one of Essex’s best districts in terms of employment rates – at 83.3 per cent.

Support - Essex County Council has highlighted unemployment support amid a rise in jobless residents (Image: Newsquest)

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Councillor Tony Ball, cabinet member for education excellence, lifelong learning and employability at Essex County Council, said: “Enabling people who face barriers to accessing and maintaining good jobs is essential for personal independence, wellbeing and the Greater Essex economy.

“Working with our partners across Essex, we offer a number of employment support programmes for residents. These include:

• Essex Year of Opportunity – a £1.33 million campaign for 2025/26 which removes barriers into work and education through projects and partnerships with businesses
• Connect to Work – a supported employment programme funded by the Department for Work and Pensions for those considered economically inactive, including due to mental health, physical health, disabilities and lifestyle changes
• Essex Opportunities - a one-stop shop for job listings, apprenticeships, courses and career guidance
• ACL Essex - a wide range of evening and daytime courses to help adults improve job prospects and learn new skills
• Greater Essex Careers Hub and Apprenticeship Hub – working with schools, colleges and employers to help every young person find their next step

“Bridging the skills gap and supporting employment opportunities not only enriches the lives of Essex residents – it helps create a thriving local economy where businesses can feel confident about hiring skilled workers.”