According to figures from the Office of National Statistics thousands of jobs have been left unfilled for at least six months.

In May the Sunday Times reported that of the 7,000 jobs, nearly one thousand jobs (942) had remained unfilled for a year or more, and 48 for two years.

However this may not just be a reflection to the JobCentre Plus service buy an indication that show unemployed people would rather remain on benefits that work in low skilled jobs such as call centres or care homes.

Chris Grayling, employment minister, said” “The face these jobs are advertised for a long period shows the current welfare system is not working. After a decade of throwing money at the problem, there are still five million people out of work living on benefits.”

The local authorities with the the most vacancies advertised for nine to 12 months was Teignbridge in Devon followed by Sheffield.

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