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Dept for Work and Pensions;Jobcentre Plus

Answer

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many unfilled job vacancies there are at York Jobcentre; and how many there were at the same date in each year since 1996. [191219] Jane Kennedy: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, David Anderson. He will write to the hon. Member. Letter from David Anderson to Mr. Hugh Bayley, dated 21 October 2004: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the number of unfilled job vacancies at York Jobcentre. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. According to Jobcentre Plus administrative records, the numbers of unfilled vacancies at York Jobcentre between 1996 and 2000 are set out in the table below. This represents only a proportion of all the vacancies available, as not all vacancies are notified to Jobcentres. Unfilled vacancies recorded at York Jobcentre between 1996 and 2000 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number 1996 960 1997 1,020 1998 1,430 1999 1,120 2000 1,390 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Source: NOMIS National Statistics. From 2001, the publication of Jobcentre Plus vacancy statistics was deferred due to distortions in the data. These arose partly from difficulties with a new computer system and partly from the introduction of innovative vacancy-taking procedures, such as the creation of Employer Direct Contact Centres, which made it difficult to interpret changes in the figures. Published data on the number of unfilled Jobcentre Plus vacancies remains suspended and at present is not suitable for use as a labour market indicator. We are currently reviewing the derivation and composition of the data. We are working closely with colleagues in the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to reinstate data that will be suitable for public use. The figures in the table below show management information on numbers of unfilled vacancies at the now Jobcentre Plus office from August 2001 to August 2004. Figures are not comparable to the National Statistics series shown above and should not be interpreted as reflecting changes to labour market conditions over the period from 1996. These figures may also be higher, as the catchment area for vacancy recording has widened reflecting broader travel to work patterns. Unfilled vacancies recorded at the Jobcentre Plus office after 2001 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Number 2001 2,750 2002 3,620 2003 4,300 2004 5,140 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Source: DWP Vacancy Database, Management Information. I hope this is helpful.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

425 c910-1W; 191219

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Vacancies York

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk