EMPLOYERS are stepping up efforts to recruit in York as the high number of vacancies continues to pose problems.

Rather than the surge in unemployment feared during the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses are now struggling to fill positions.

Nationally, vacancies topped one million in August for the first time since official records began in 2001, with the largest rise in accommodation and food services, which includes hotels, pubs and restaurants.

In York, 12,574 people claimed Universal Credit last month, up from 12,566 in July.

The local authority data, from August 12, also showed that in Ryedale, there were 3,480 claimants in August, down from 3,484 in July while in Selby those figures were 5,444 and 5,405 respectively. In Harrogate, they were 9,734, up from 9,727.

Wendy Mangan, at York Jobcentre, said the figures were ‘the most stable it has been’ for some time - and job seekers have plenty of vacancies to consider.

Targeted events are being held to ease the staffing burden.

The Grand hotel in York is holding a recruitment day today, Tuesday, September 28, with a wide range of roles on offer.

For details of the roles available and how to get involved read here.

General manager Simon Mahon said the hotel was expanding its services following the busiest three months since it opened in 2010.

York Press:

Home care provider Helping Hands Home Care is hosting a recruitment event in York tomorrow, Wednesday, September 29, from 11am to 1pm, highlighting jobs in social care. Details at www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk/our-locations/York/

Employers with multiple vacancies will also be at York Jobs Fair at York Railway Institute on October 6. Last held in 2019, it is run by York Learning & JobcentrePlus and funded by City of York Council.

“We are very excited that this is returning. We are looking to have 50 employers, which is slightly smaller than normal, but we are working in line with social distancing regulations,” said Wendy.

York Jobcentre has also offered its Monkgate offices to employers for recruitment events. Home Bargains which needs staff at its Clifton Moor and Foss Island stores has held three interview days there and is the lead employer for a retail sector-based work academy programme which York Jobcentre has arranged with National Employer Training.

This five-day course starts on October 4 and offers training with guaranteed job interviews with Home Bargains.

Vicky Richards, store manager, said: “Working with York Jobcentre has been a great help and support for our stores in York. All the staff are very helpful. We have collaborated well and as a result we have employed a number of colleagues over the last few weeks.”

A SIA security course starts on October 4 with training in door supervision, first aid, customer service, counter terrorism and CCTV, with guaranteed interviews with security companies. Details from York Jobcentre.