Unemployment in the UK is at its highest level since 1996 with 2.261 million people out of work - 7.2% of the adult population - and the number of people in work having fallen to 29.11 million. This figure dropped by 271,000 - the biggest quarterly change since 1971.

But the true picture behind these statistics is that for every ‘person’ counted there is a human and personal story and that is the basis of Wheatsheaf’s aim in supporting individual people through addressing their own specific needs.

In particular young people are being hardest hit at the moment with an unemployment rate for 18-24 year olds of now 16.6%. At Wheatsheaf there is a number of different programmes to keep young people engaged with the labour market and improve their skills and employability.

Jonathan Cheshire commented on the figures: ‘Just as in previous recessions, young people are taking the brunt of the pain. It is worth noting that the 18-24 group today are in many cases children of the same age group who were abandoned in the ‘80s. If we want to tackle multi-generational worklessness it is urgent for all of us to support the current generation until the upturn comes.’

However, and although the number of vacancies in the job market overall fell from 659,000 last May to a recorded figure of 424,000 this May, there is some good news. The number of men over 65 and women over 60 in employment has risen over this same period by 2.6%.

We look forward to working with Southampton City Council, following a successful tender to help with delivery of Employment Skills and related services on the Council’s behalf.

Wheatsheaf Trust  joins two frameworks of providers working in Southampton itself and also across Hampshire and Isle of Wight and will deliver IAG (information, advice and guidance), pre-employment training, job search and brokering, and non-accredited training.

Wheatsheaf Trust was among the exhibitors at the Party in the Park, held at Havant Park last Saturday - 6 June.

More than 1,000 people attended the free event aimed at providing job and training advice in a fun and relaxed environment.

The Mayor, Councillor Jackie Branson (pictured at the Wheatsheaf Trust stand), opened the event organised by Havant Borough Council and Havant Skills and Employability Partnership in response to the downtown in the economic market. Music Fusion - a music project for young people - provided the music with various local bands performing.

Along with Wheatsheaf Trust, exhibitors included Hampshire County Council, the Army, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Brendoncare, Job Centre Plus, Business Link and college and service providers.

Wheatsheaf’s Employment Training Advisor, Becky, said, “It was a fun and exciting event and a great way to meet representatives from companies and potential clients. We look forward to working with all those who signed up with us on the day.”

The event was sponsored by Hampshire County Council, Jobcentre Plus, Learning Skills Council and local businesses, Fassett, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Xraytex.