It’s disturbing to read that UK unemployment has risen by 48,000 to 2.67 million in the three months to December 2011, official figures have shown. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also said the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance last month increased by 6,900 to 1.6 million and the unemployment rate for 16-to 24-year-olds jumped to 22.2%.
The number of job vacancies rose to 476,000 in the three months to January and analysts predict that the half million figure isn’t that far away.
Good to know then that The Springboard Charity has been delivering programmes that directly help unemployed and disadvantaged people get out of the poverty trap and into sustainable jobs in the hospitality, tourism and leisure industry for the last 21 years.
Never before has our work been as important to this vibrant sector as it bucks the trend and continues to expand and grow, creating job opportunities and sustanable careers.
Stephen Kyjak – Lane, General Manager of the Lancaster London and Chairman of Springboard London’s Advisory Board said, “The most worrying aspect of the latest rise in the jobless totals for the UK announced today is the unacceptable increase in unemployment for the 18-24 year old sector. We are leaving our talent pool of the future in limbo.’
Springboard is engaged in actively combating unemployment by championing the lifetime career opportunities that the hospitality industry offers, being the 5th largest industry with 7 % of all working adults. It also contributes 8 % of the UK’s GDP (£114 billion). The sector employs over 2 million people and is predicted to expand by 125,000 by 2017. It can be a crucial part of the solution to youth unemployment.
Springboard welcomes candidates from whatever background and ability; those looking for full time, part-time or casual employment. The Springboard Charity has multiple programmes to assist job seekers into paid employment and Springboard’s careers programmes are open to people of all ages.
In this Olympic year Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism needs people to showcase the UK to the world. We’re passing on the baton so why not come and join us!”