Further fall in Jobseekers claimant count

US-unemployment-jobs-fair-007

The number of people claiming Jobs Seekers Allowance (JSA) in York has again fallen, representing the largest decrease in the claimant count in seven years between June and July.

The Office for National Statistics have released figures today stating that there are 2490 claimants in York, a decrease of 61 from last month and of 758 from July 2012. The claimant count represents 1.9% of the working population and contrasts to the regional average which stands at 4.4%. The figures are also much lower than the national average which stands at 3.5%.

Generally full employment is achieved when unemployment levels fall below 2%. This recognises the number of people who at any time are “between jobs”.

Even allowing for workers who are currently economically inactive (but not claiming JSA), it raises further questions about Labours Local Plan which aims to increase the number of job by 1000 a year (net).

The Local Plan hyper economic growth targets have been criticised as likely to lead to large scale inward migration into the City or unsustainable commuting levels.

Winter maintenance (snow and ice clearance) consultation – more cuts expected

Damaged salt bin Cornlands Road

Damaged salt bin Cornlands Road

The Council is asking residents whether it should cut even further the number of salt bins available in the City. They also plan to reduce the number of roads that are gritted (salted).

From Monday 12 August until Sunday 1 September, residents and businesses are invited to complete a three-week consultation on the criteria which is used to help determine how and where the council provides winter maintenance across the city.

To take part in the survey or view the criteria and gritting maps please visit: http://www.york.gov.uk/info/200262/gritting/402/winter_maintenance_services (from Monday 12 August).
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Mansion House talks to look into York’s unique past

Mansion House Christmas

The Mansion House will play host to a variety of talks by a group of local historians this August, as they discuss highlights of the city’s unique past.

The talks include:

•Thursday 15 August- Colin Sheppard investigates the origins of the Sword of Sigismund and offers a chance to see the sword itself.

•Wednesday 21 August- Battlefield historian and English Civil war musketeer Russell Marwood provides a costumed, hands-on insight into the fashion and equipment of a 17th century soldier (This will take place in the Council Chamber).

•Thursday 22 August- Peter Stanhope presents an illustrated talk on ‘A Panorama of Mediaeval York’ by the Edwardian artist Edwin Ridsdale Tate.

Tickets for each event cost £5 for adults and £4 and residents are advised to book in advance.

Tickets can be booked by calling 01904 615505 and more information can be found by visiting http://www.york.gov.uk/events/200640/mansion_house.

Traffic congestion in York

click for latest update

click for latest update

The combination of road works on Water End (eastbound over the Severus Bridge is closed) and the A1237 have resulted in traffic congestion in the City.

Worst affected areas are Holgate Road, The Mount and Bootham.

The image shows queue length in red. Click on image for update.

Yorkshire and The Humber – Euro election candidates

The lists of candidates selected by the various parties to contest the Euro elections in Yorkshire next May have become clearer.

The Euro elections are unique in the UK being the only occasion when voters express a preference for a political party rather than a named candidate.

Seats are allocated proportionately to the parties “list” of names.

The list order is selected by party members.

Pretty much no candidate, outside of the first three on the party list, has any real chance of being elected, although, in the event of a vacancy occurring part way through a 4 year term of office, the next highest placed candidate on the list can take over (if they are still available).

LibDem

Edward McMillan-Scott MEP

Edward McMillan-Scott MEP

The LibDems have the stand out candidate in Edward McMillan-Scott who has a wealth of experience and a record of hard work both inside and outside the parliament.

1. Edward McMillan-Scott
2. James Monaghan
3. Joe Otten
4. Chris Foote-Wood
5. Jacqueline Bell
6. TBA

Labour:

Labour have reselected their retiring MEP and placed a former MEP at second place on their list.

York Councillor Tracey Simpson Laing despite a high profile announcement of her Euro credentials in April appears to have troubled the scorers rather less than a lower order Australian batman.

1. MCAVAN, Linda
2. CORBETT, Richard

3. TUNNICLIFFE , Eleanor
4. KHAN, Asghar
5. MIRFIN-BOUKOURIS, Helen
6. HUGHES , Darren

Conservative:

The Conservatives have put their retiring MEP at the top of their list

1. Timothy Kirkhope MEP
2. Alex Story

3. John Procter
4. Carolyn Abbott
5. Michael Naughton
6. TBA
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