Unemployment is up across Fenland and East Cambridgeshire – nationally unemployment is down – but employment bosses insist there is work for those who want it.

The employment rate across the UK is currently at 75.3 per cent – up from 74.6 per cent compared to a year ago and the joint highest since records began.

However, around 375 were out of work in Ely last month, with it rising to 395 this month.

In March, Chatteris and Wisbech there were 680 out of work in February, which has now increased to 725.

However, it’s not all bad news, as Jobcentre Plus district manager Julia Nix says there are plenty of jobs that are available across the county.

Greene King is recruiting in Ely, 25 posts are available are in adult dervices at Cambsridgeshire County Council, while Dominoes Pizza, Allied Healthcare and security premises in Wisbech are also hiring.

Julia explained: “We have still got a strong employment rate. This time of year we do see a dip because people are coming out of seasonal work and this won’t increase until after Easter when it picks up again.

“A lot of people have been let go from their temporary Christmas positions by now because the sales are over.

“In Wisbech there is a lot of agricultural work and it hasn’t been a good time for that because of the bad weather. It has had an impact.

“It is still a buoyant local market and there are a range of jobs full and part time available, so if you want a job then it’s a really good time to start looking and approaching employers, just get in touch with your Jobcentre Plus.”

Nationally, figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that 402,000 more people have moved into employment in the last year.

The unemployment rate has not been lower since 1975, and the number of people out of work is down by 127,000 compared to a year ago.

The number of people not working and not looking for work fell by 158,000 on the year. The rate has not been lower since records began.

Esther McVey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “Getting a job means securing an income for a family and the chance to build a better future. That’s why up and down the country we are doing all we can to help people into work.”