Latest employment figures are gloomy…but there are some signs of recovery

THE number of people claiming unemployment benefit soared to almost 2.1million in April.

A record 856,500 extra people signed up for Jobseeker’s Allowance — the sharpest monthly rise ever recorded.

And that does NOT include the eight million workers kept on by their employers via the Government’s wage support scheme, some of whom may yet face redundancy.

But job boards are now reporting some signs of recovery, with permanent vacancies on the rise for the first time since the pandemic hit.

Jon Wilson of Totaljobs said: “These are tough times for many workers but we are seeing green shoots starting to appear.

“Last week there was an 18 per cent increase in the number of jobs advertised with us, with the highest number of vacancies on the site since March — particularly in social care, IT, engineering and manufacturing.”

Pivot to prop up profits

IF you can’t do business as normal, “pivot”. That is the new buzzword for switching to give a service needed right now.

Hosiery entrepreneur Anja Kahn of has pivoted to making protective masks.

Here are her tips for making your switch a success.

•  Business owners are used to being in control. Accept what you can’t change and recognise the things you can, so you can plan.
•  The way we do business has changed – perhaps for good. How can your business adapt? If you are an independent shop, can you go online? If your staff are working from home, can you save costs?
• “Pivoting” might mean focusing on new goals. We switched production of hosiery to profit-free facemasks that are eco-friendly and washable. It has kept our factory going and, vitally, wages for staff.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Use your contacts book and look at which grants are available from the Government and local authorities.
• Consider other opportunities to grow your business. I am finding emails and phone calls are being returned when they weren’t this time last year. Be bold, look to build relationships and approach whoever you need for your future success.

'Hidden' chances like uni, but no debt

WITH half a million hospitality workers made redundant or temporarily out of work, our pubs, hotels, bars and clubs aren’t the most obvious places to hunt for a new job right now.

But caterer.com has launched a new jobs board to highlight “hidden hospitality” roles.

Loads of new job types have been created in lockdown, such as turning over beds in hotels, flushing toilets and running taps to ensure water systems stay in good condition and cooking for NHS staff.

Those join new jobs in more traditional areas, such as takeaways.

• Find out more at .

If getting into debt at uni is a worry, consider a degree apprenticeship.

Trainees on the earn-as-you-learn scheme enter the workplace while studying for a university degree.

To boost your chances of landing a place on a course, social mobility charity The Sutton Trust is running its annual Apprenticeship

Summer online this year. Held in partnership with top employers, it will help you decide if a degree apprenticeship is right for you.

The trust’s Katherine Doherty said: “Apprenticeships can be a great tool for social mobility but a lack of consistent advice is a barrier, particularly for those from less advantaged backgrounds.”