FEWER people are unemployed in Basingstoke and Deane now compared to last year.

Figures from Jobcentre Plus show that 815 people in the borough were looking for work in June, 130 of whom were aged 18 to 24, representing a three per cent reduction from 2015.

Louise Atkins, work services manager for Basingstoke Jobcentre Plus, said: “We are really pleased to see that the unemployment figures for Basingstoke have reduced by three per cent in the last year and are even more delighted to see that the number of 18 to 24-year-olds has reduced by four per cent, both in Basingstoke constituency and also across the local authority area.

“We believe this is due to the amount of closer working we have been able to do with our local employers. We are encouraging local employers to come in and complete their interviews within our officers as we are seeing great results with a number of our customers securing either work experience, work trials or paid employment.”

The Basingstoke Jobcentre has seen more people secure jobs or work experience thanks to several new initiatives with local employers. The British Heart Foundation opened a new electrical and furniture shop on July 12, and held interviews for jobs and voluntary positions on May 12, having approached Jobcentre customers. Four customers were selected for paid work, while a number of others secured on-going work experience to add to their CV.

Templine Recruitment Agency approached the Jobcentre after winning a new contract with Sainsbury’s Distribution Centre in Basingstoke, and held two recruitment days in the town in June. The company has selected at least 14 Jobcentre customers for work trials or second interviews, and it is hoped that they will secure employment soon.

Jobcentre now has an ongoing agreement to work with Templine on a weekly basis to help fill its vacancies.