Council predict tough challenges in 2010 but Chester will cope well

Dec 31 2009 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

WEST Cheshire has traditionally had a stable economy with low numbers of people out of work and a wide range of local businesses but the recession is having an impact, according to an Audit Commission report.

“The number of people who are claiming jobseekers allowance has risen by two thirds in the last 12 months,” said the Oneplace report.

“The number of young people who are not in education, employment or training has also risen.”

It believes the public bodies involved ‘have a clear understanding of the local economy and work closely to understand the challenges of the recession’.

The assessment continued: “The recession provides a big risk for the economy because of the large reliance on banking and car-making businesses.

“About a third of firms in the area are at risk and over two thirds are at risk in the Dodleston ward of Chester, which contains the Chester Business Park and hosts some major financial employers.

“The Stanlow and Wolverham wards in Ellesmere Port have the largest number of people out of work in the area.

“Job vacancies for young people have halved in the last year.”

Support to local business has been good, suggests the assessment, which added: “Despite only being in existence since April 2009, partners have already responded to some local issues.

“Partners share information to target their efforts in the right place and at the right time.

“The West Cheshire Employability Partnership is performing well and further education is good.

“Government funding for 250 new jobs across West Cheshire will support unemployed 18- to 24-year- olds.”