By Beverly Rademacher

Copyright expressandstar

New data, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on September 16, covering the period from May to July 2025 showed the region has the highest unemployment figure out of all UK regions, with 189,000 people listed as unemployed.

The figure is an increase of 1.2 per cent compared to the same period last year and a rise of 0.9 per cent compared to the previous quarter (February to April 2025).

Just under three quarters of people, aged 16 to 64, were working (73.5 per cent) – with more than one fifth of people of working age (21.9 per cent) deemed economically inactive.

In response to the figures Jobcentre Plus has announced it is boosting efforts to support young people across the Black Country as they make the leap from education into employment.

Dedicated work coaches aim to help school leavers and young adults to become work ready by offering support to develop practical skills and build confidence.

Lee Wooldridge, employer adviser manager for Dudley Borough Jobcentres, said: “Our dedicated work coaches are fully equipped to deliver a wide range of personalised support services tailored specifically for young people.

“From expert guidance on job searching to free training opportunities, CV writing, and help with job applications and interview techniques. We’re here to help every step of the way.

“For those facing challenges in entering the workforce, our youth employability coaches offer specialist, one-to-one support.

“We also provide financial assistance through the Flexible Support Fund, which can help cover costs like travel, equipment, or clothing needed for work or training.

“Young people can also take advantage of exciting opportunities such as apprenticeships, work experience placements, and job fairs, all designed to build skills, boost confidence, and connect them directly with employers.

“We’re working with employers, organising pre-employment training and jobs fairs as well as focussing on work experience opportunities with various events across Walsall.”

In Walsall, where 10,740 people (6.1 per cent) were listed as claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) and/or Universal Credit (UC) in August, a partnership with Smyths Toys and Pertemps Recruitment is offering seasonal vacancies for all age groups. Pertemps is recruiting in the warehouse sector and has already placed 50 people on Universal Credit into work through local Jobcentres. Smyths Toys is recruiting in the retail sector, with seven people on Universal Credit hired and further opportunities available.

A mini jobs fair will take place at Brownhills Jobcentre on September 26 and Bridle Court Jobcentre, in Walsall, will host a similar event on October 24.

In Wolverhampton, where 12,090 (7.1 per cent) of people were listed as claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) and/or Universal Credit (UC) in August, employment advisors worked with Lockworks Cinema to recruit new staff for the new venue.

Jobcentre advisors are also coordinating six to eight-week work experience placements at the Acorns Children’s Hospice shop in Bilston.

Also in the Wolverhampton area, the RAF City Show will take place on September 26 and 27 at Wolverhampton College, Wellington Road, Bilston, offering jobseekers and young people the chance to find out more about a career in the forces.

It will include fly pasts, interactive activities and live music and will be attended by other emergency forces such as the fire service.

In Dudley, 9,465 people (4.8 per cent) were listed as claimants, latest ONS labour market figures show.

To help people in the borough into employment, as part of a national work experience initiative led by the DWP in partnership with the B&M employability team, B&M stores in Merry Hill, Dudley, Halesowen and Stourbridge are offering 32 four-week work experience placements for Jobcentre customers of all ages across the Dudley borough.

The programme is designed to support individuals keen to pursue a career in retail, whether looking to re-enter the workforce or gain their first experience in a retail environment.

Participants will receive hands-on training and be fully integrated into the B&M team, gaining valuable skills and insight into the retail sector.

All participants will be able to include B&M on their CVs and request references, even if they are not offered a permanent role at the end of the placement.

The DWP is also working with Smyths Toys on its seasonal recruitment campaign, offering jobseekers the chance to connect with roles in retail.

In Sandwell, where 15,305 people (7 per cent) were listed as claimants, the DWP has launched its seasonal recruitment campaign, actively promoting vacancies with key employers including Costa Coffee, Barista, Dunelm, and JD Sports. It is also working with B&M to source suitable candidates for work experience placements.

Three B&M stores across Sandwell are offering eight placements each. While B&M is not currently recruiting for seasonal roles, they intend to hire directly from the work experience cohorts.

Meanwhile, Smethwick Jobcentre is running an eight-week intensive bootcamp tailored for 18 to 19-year-olds who are not eligible for mainstream funding or a Sector Based Work Academy. Now in the final week of the programme, three out of nine participants have already secured employment.

And at the Let’s Chat Hub in West Bromwich the DWP will host a dedicated 50+ employment event on October 15, with employers, businesses and training providers showcasing opportunities available.

Jobseekers can also get training and the chance to apply for jobs through the government’s Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) for people aged 16 and over and claiming benefits. Schemes are running with Tesco in Walsall this month, Walsall FC, with First for Education in Dudley (for aspiring teaching assistants) and to help get people into healthcare admin roles in Oldbury. The Midlands Metro is also recruiting tram drivers via one of the DWP’s schemes. To find out more about SWAPs coming up people can ask Job centre work coaches for more information.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East, said people must be given the opportunities and skills they need to secure jobs – adding: “It is vital that our £240 million Get Britain Working plan is felt by people across the country, whether it’s through targeted support for young people entering the workforce, or joining up work, health and skills support.”