Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

Gloucestershire jobless much lower than feared, says Ian Mean

Not too long ago, it was forecast that Gloucestershire might be expecting between 12,000 and 15,000 people out of work at the end of furlough in September.

Happily, that estimate is wide of the mark and the final figure could be much lower at around 8,500.

At the same time, job vacancies in the county have rocketed and to over 43,000 posts available.

These are quite extraordinary figures which are also quite difficult to understand.

The benefits claimant rate at 3.2% is obviously higher than pre-Covid but nowhere near what we thought it would be.

We have no figures as yet, but my guess is that there will be people in their 50s who have decided during Covid to look at changing their careers.

And there will be skilled engineers, for instance, nearing retirement who have decided to take the opportunity to leave earlier.

One big thing that Covid has taught us is that we need to anticipate future challenges in employment far quicker.

That means government must look to ensure that Further Education colleges have the funding to develop courses to fit the jobs of the future.

For instance, that could be encouraging green skills to meet the demands of Net Zero whether in business or the home.

Better skilled people mean better productivity and a growing economy for Gloucestershire.

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.