BOLTON jobseekers may have to consider a career change when it comes to searching for employment ahead of a looming autumn jobs crisis.

The number of people claiming Universal Credit in Bolton has now risen to over 30,000 according to figures taken during mid-August.

The figure marks a rise of just over 500 since July 9 from 29,503 to 30,044 with the number of UK claimants currently standing at 5,608,882.

With the Government's furlough scheme set to close at the end of next month, the chancellor, Rishi Sunak said the government would continue to provide support to struggling firms to protect the jobs market through its £1,000 job retention bonus and £2bn kickstart job creation scheme for under 25s.

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP, said: “We recognise that the pandemic has been difficult for many people who are worried about their incomes and that’s why our £30bn Plan for Jobs is aimed at protecting, supporting and creating jobs and it’s welcome news that there is some recovery in vacancies.

“Meanwhile, we’re creating hundreds of thousands of fully subsidised new jobs for young people through our £2billion Kickstart Scheme to give those starting out a leg up onto the career ladder and offer them hope for the future. And within our jobcentres we’re recruiting a further 13,500 Work Coaches so all jobseekers throughout the UK have access to tailored support, to build their skills and pivot into new roles.”

Many experts have predicted that the world of work is changing with some sectors like IT and digital technology, cleaning and delivery / lorry driving appearing to be in a much stronger position than others such as retail or leisure.

Penny Applegate, partnership manager at Bolton Jobcentre plus, said: "The unemployment figures have actually not gone up as much we might have thought with just a 1.8%.

"People are still finding jobs and if they're prepared to consider different types of work the jobs are out there.

"The sectors where we are particularly seeing vacancies are in construction, security, hospitality and care work.

"Care work is particularly interesting as you can do it at any age and you do not necessarily have to have any experience. A caring attitude is what is important and you can often work hours that suit your circumstances.

"People do need to be a bit adaptable."