Swindon Advertiser Weekly Article - 28th October

It’s going to be a busy weekend in my constituency office with two events lined up.

Firstly there is the Orbital Jobs Fair from 10am to 2pm on Saturday where those who are looking for work, whether it be part-time, full-time or work over Christmas, are very welcome to attend to come and speak with some of the big employers that we have attending including M&S, McDonalds and Asda.

Earlier this month it was encouraging to see more positive news on employment as the rate of those unemployed has fallen yet again. Overall the figures show that since 2010 unemployment in Swindon has fallen by a staggering 62%. This means that the number of people claiming out of work benefits has reduced by 2,692. That’s more people in work locally who now have the security of a pay-packet rather than relying on benefits.

Obviously there is more to do which is why events like the jobs fair are aiming to provide opportunities for jobseekers. Furthermore, the Government is aiming to continue the trend of low unemployment and also getting more young people into work. Already it has abolished employers national insurance contributions for employees under the age of 21, and we are rolling out the Jobcentre Plus Support for Schools scheme in England which will give tens of thousands of young people help in taking their first steps into the world of work.

If you are looking for work, then please do come along to the jobs fair on Saturday. My office is on the first floor of the brand new building at the Orbital Shopping Park which is next to the rear car park. If you know anybody who might be interested then please let them know.

Following the jobs fair we have the Swindon and District branch of the Samaritans using the office to train some of their volunteers. I am delighted that such a great cause can utilise the space and I am sure that the volunteers will go on to provide help and assistance to some very vulnerable people. The whole idea of opening up my office to the community is to allow charities and local organisations to benefit and continue the vital work they do here in Swindon.

Finally, I re-joined the All Party Parliamentary Group for Video Games this week. Partly because I love video games, but mainly because I recognise the enormous £2 billion contribution that the growing industry has for the UK economy. I also joined the APPG for young disabled people where I was able to draw on the vast amounts of work I did in this area to continue the campaign to improve accessibility to sporting grounds.