Children’s safety in York under review

York’s 44,000 children are “safe” according to an independent report being considered by the Council next week

The annual report of the Safeguarding Children Board is likely to receive more attention than may have been usual in the past following issues arising in South Yorkshire

The report says that the number of looked after children in the city has fallen steadily in 2014- 15 from 226 at the start of the year to 195 by the end. 124 children were on a formal child protection plan at the year end. 82% of children in care felt that they were “really safe” at home.

Fewer children now live in (relative) poverty in the City than a year ago.

Other issues considered by the board included; neglect, Child Sexual Exploitation, domestic abuse, school absenteeism and female genital mutilation.

The summary report can be read by clicking here

Number of York jobseekers falls for seventh consecutive month

Figures released today that show the number of York residents claiming Job Seekers Allowance has fallen by 47.6 per cent in the last 12 months.

The statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), show there are now 722 claimants in York, a fall of 41 from last month and of 653 from September 2014.

Today’s figures showed the number of jobseekers in York has fallen for the seventh consecutive month and also highlighted a 67.2 per cent fall in the Youth unemployment count since September 2014.

The claimant count represents 0.5 per cent of the working population and contrasts to the regional average which stands at 2.2 per cent. The figures are also much lower than the national average which stands at 1.6 per cent.

The news comes following last month’s York Jobs Fair which attracted over 800 residents taking the chance to gain advice and speak to a number of businesses about vacancies in the city.

There are a large number of job vacancies in York at present (click) including a number at the Council (click)

York scammers claim to be from youth offending services

City of York Council has had reports of a scam in which cold callers in the York area are claiming to be part of the council’s Youth Offending Team.

A resident has told the council that a group of young people is going door-to-door in Osbaldwick, Haxby and Upper Poppleton areas claiming to offer services from the team and presenting a card, which has not been issued by the council or the team.

The Council says, “Our youth offending services never run door-to-door schemes or selling schemes and we are concerned that unscrupulous people are trying to trade on and thereby devalue the good name of the team and the work it does.

“We ask that residents do not support this scam, turn away these callers and alert their neighbours – particularly any vulnerable ones.”

To report potential scams please contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer helpline 0345 4040506.

North Yorkshire Police also recommend that people concerned about unwanted visitors should call 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.

York Authors – speed dating

Thur 15 Oct: 6.30pm – 7.30pm

A unique opportunity to meet members of York Authors on an individual basis and chat with them, pick their brains on writing, publishing and selling!

Several published authors will be available for you to talk to and discover more about the world of writing and how best to start.

Also learn how to network with other writers in York and how to self-publish your books and poems.

This is a drop in event, but you can register you interest at eventbrite by following this link:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/york-authorsspeed-dating-tickets-18374980060 , or by contacting York Explore Library on 01904 552828, or on email at : york@exploreyork.org.uk

For more information about the authors visit their website: www.yorkauthors.co.uk