By NICOLE VALICEK
THE City of Melton’s unemployment rate has risen more than two per cent in the last 18 months.
As the City’s population continues to grow at rates well above the state and national average local job seekers are being left behind, with the unemployment rate rising from 6.7 per cent in March 2011 to 8.9 per cent in September 2012.
Richard Verhagen, WISE Employment Business Manager in Melton, said any rise in unemployment is a concern.
“It means our local communities are either losing their jobs due to economic downturn or business is unable to recruit staff and grow due to the current economic climate,” Mr Verhagen said.
The rise in unemployment could be the result of growth around Melton and new, young families moving into the area, Mr Verhagen added.
He said one area of concern in the current unemployment market was the high numbers of disengaged youth in the Melton area.
“Attracting younger people to full-time work would be one of many ways to stop cycles of generational unemployment,” Mr Verhagen said.
“We need to promote full-time job opportunities to young people and help create more community partnerships between youth services and local business.”
Melton City Council’s Business, Growth and Sustainability Manager Brett Luxford said within any fast growing residential area creating enough opportunities for local employment was a challenge.
“Industries are under pressure from global factors and within the City of Melton there is a higher percentage of residents who work in jobs and industries that are affected by economic downturn,” Mr Luxford said.
According to the 2011 Census data there were 16,000 jobs available in the municipality and more than 50,000 people in the labour force.
The data also stated that across the municipality one in four young people aged 15-19 years who are not in school or training are unemployed and actively looking for work.
“This figure is consistent in both the eastern corridor as well as Melton’s township where the youth unemployment rate is 25 per cent,” Mr Luxford said.
He said in the current competitive labour market it is vitally important for people to ensure they maintain and update their skills.
“Many residents would relish the opportunity to work locally and businesses looking for a localised labour source should consider calling Melton City Home,” Mr Luxford said.
