ERSA welcomes the latest labour market statistics published today which show that there are now 31.4 million people in work – up 20,000 over the past quarter and 360,000 in the past year.

These figures follow the first UK Employability Day last week, which highlighted the work of the employment support sector and the frontline organisations which sit behind the statistics, supporting jobseekers into the labour market every day.

On the day over 80 centres across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland opened their doors to key stakeholders to come and see the service they deliver.

Activities on the day included:

• Homelessness charity Centrepoint made a Vlog celebrating the achievement of young people who they support in moving into work;
• Specialist disability provider Papworth Trust ran a Tai Chi session for jobseekers on Employment and Support Allowance, amongst other activities;
• CAIS, a charity working in North Wales, held a drop in session to showcase the opportunities on offer for those seeking a way into the workplace;
• PeoplePlus held a employability hustings in Derry/ Londonderry; and
• Fife Council’s Supported Employment Service held an open event in a local shopping centre to raise awareness of its team and its work.