The jobs are there for those who want them

The figures released also show the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance is down by 12.8 thousand and the number of vacancies remaining high at 668.8 thousand. Businesses across the country are continuing to look at how they can bring people into the workplace, and now over 100 major employers have committed to the Government's Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs) scheme. Working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus to fast track long term benefit claimants into work, employers will provide a further 250,000 opportunities for people who have previously faced difficulties finding work. Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform Caroline Flint said that the: “vacancy figures, combined with the involvement of over 100 major companies in the LEP scheme, mean those who are able to work can find a job. Those who 10 years ago would have been left behind now have the chance to clock in, working for themselves and providing for their families.” She added that: “The challenge for us is to find new ways of helping people develop the skills and confidence they need to take advantage of these opportunities. The companies involved in LEPs have shown their commitment to British workers and we will give people the support they need to get into work. I believe this can play a huge part in tackling the legacy of worklessness that still exists in our towns and cities. "Our strong and stable economy has helped deliver record numbers in work and with unemployment continuing to fall we have in our sights the ambition of reaching full employment within a generation."