New employment figures show that thousands more Harlow residents have been getting into work over the past year with more people in work month-on-month. This comes in spite of lockdowns and coronavirus restrictions which have caused the worst economic shock in over 300 years. The pandemic was predicted to nearly triple the number of people out of work across the country. Youth unemployment in Harlow has also fallen month on month over the same period.
The remarkable statistics comes in line with a number of actions the Government has taken as part of their “Plan for Jobs” including:
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Protecting more than 19,500 Harlow jobs through the furlough scheme
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6,000 Harlow self-employed residents support with £62 million of self-employment grants
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Over £250 million to support local businesses with grants, business rate relief, VAT reductions and many other measures
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£3,000 apprenticeship employment grant
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Kickstart scheme to help reduce youth unemployment
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Opening a new job centre in the Harvey Centre and doubling the number of work coaches
Harlow’s MP, Robert Halfon, has strongly welcomed the figures. He said: “Throughout the pandemic I have worked hard to secure as much support for Harlow’s workers and local businesses as possible. I am pleased that the Government has spent well over £250 million to protect our local economy from the worst of the pandemic and now we are seeing more local residents in work month-on-month.
“This is extremely positive news, but there is much still to do. I will continue to champion skills and apprenticeships and do everything possible to see more high-skilled jobs created as we build an even better Harlow.
“We have a number of major investments into our College and wider town that will create even more jobs and apprenticeships including the £12 million Advanced Manufacturing Centre and new Institute of Technology at Harlow College, the Enterprise Zone, the move of the UK Health Security Agency to Harlow and many other investments besides.”
