MANY more over-50s have returned to the workforce in the past year amid talk of a “great unretirement”, official figures suggest.

There has also been a substantial fall in the number of under-25s out of work locally.

Nationally, the Office for National Statistics said a record number of people moved out of “economic inactivity”, with more under-25s and older people joining the workplace. One pensions expert at Hargreaves Lansdown has said a “great unretirement” at the end of last year drove a record number of people into work.

READ MORE: Unemployment in Southampton remains lower than last year despite national rise

The unemployment claimant count for the Southampton City Council area stood at 6,780 in January, down 16 per cent year-on-year.

There were 1,435 people over 50 claiming benefit for unemployment – down 20 per cent on the previous January. The number of claimants aged 18-24 stood at 1,185, down two per cent year-on-year.

David McArthur, partnership manager for the Department for Work and Pensions in Dorset and Hampshire, said: “Across our jobcentres, work coaches provide every jobseeker with tailored support, helping to build confidence and develop new skills, so breaking down the barriers for those re-entering the workforce. The focus being for people over 50 or those who have been out of work due to ill health.

“Increasing the labour force is key activity in order to help businesses fill their vacancies. Locally we’ve been working with the NHS, Ministry of Justice and multiple hospitality and retail employers. To support this we are holding regular jobs fairs and work academies. Meanwhile jobseekers can find their perfect match by searching our DWP ‘Find a job’ website, which currently has over 180,000 thousand jobs on offer.”

Mr McArthur said Southampton JobCentre was holding a series of job fairs, including a Conviction Friendly Job Fair on Wednesday, February 10am-1pm, with vacancies in warehouse, cleaning, driving, construction, logistics and administration.

On Wednesday, March 8, 10am-1pm, a job faire will offer vacancies in care, logistics, construction, manufacturing and administration.

READ MORE: Southampton named among hardest places to find a job without experience

He added: “Southampton Jobcentre are also working with a multitude of great employers to support their recruitment requirements, such as M&S and John Lewis & Partners.

“We are also working with Itchen College to open 50+ Job Clubs in Southampton and Basingstoke.

“If you are unemployed or looking to increase your employment hours, then please ask your work coach for further details of local events and opportunities tailored to support you.”