NEW statistics show there has been an eight per cent decrease of unemployment for people in the 50 plus age group in the St Austell and Newquay area.

Newquay Jobcentre manager Judith May believes the employment statistic highlights the “great” being done by work coaches across Cornwall.

A partnership between the Jobcentre and Active Plus has also been transforming the lives of young people facing health issues and long-term unemployment.

The four‑week course, delivered by injured and retired military veterans, swapped traditional classroom learning for resilience-building, teamwork and honest conversations. By sharing their own journeys, the instructors created a supportive space where participants felt understood and motivated.

Judith May said: “The results speak for themselves.

“Three young people with health conditions have now moved into work, successfully completing recruitment processes they once thought were out of reach.

“Another participant has secured a valuable work experience placement, giving them the practical start they needed.

“For these young people, the programme wasn’t just about employability. It rebuilt confidence, purpose and belief.

“This is a fantastic example of how targeted support and strong partnerships can help vulnerable youth turn a corner and see a future they can thrive in.

“To any employer with vacancies, our message is simple: get in touch. Jobcentre teams can help you find the right people, quickly and effectively, and we’re ready to work with businesses of all sizes to build a strong local workforce.

“Our work coaches see first-hand how the right support at the right moment can transform a young person’s future.

“Knowing they can walk into their first interview with confidence or secure a job is what drives our teams every day.

“With over 300 vacancies available, in the Newquay, St Austell and Truro area, this remains a great time for young people to seize the opportunities on offer and shape the future they want.

“At the same time, we’re working closely with local employers to help them find the talent they need.

“Our jobcentres develop innovative partnerships, while delivering hands‑on support. We’re running regular job fairs and sector‑based work academies, including an employability course in Newquay with Active Plus to connect young people directly with employers who are ready to hire.

Newquay Jobcentre is now gearing up for a busy spring.

Mrs May said: “We’re currently delivering a CSCS sector-based work academy and launching a new Hospitality Course in April in partnership with Cornwall Training.

“Plus, we’re hosting a recruitment event on April 21 to support local employers and boost job-matching across the area.

“Great opportunities ahead for customers and the local economy.”

St Austell Jobcentre has had a “standout” month of employer engagement.

Highlights include work experience development with Lanjeth Nursery, three job offers at a BIFFA recruitment day, and preparations for a joint Jobs Fair with Seetec on March 26.

The Adult Social Care pilot has onboarded 14 participants, Cornwall College is offering one to one course interviews on site, and employers like Danish Crown, Premier Inn and Bradleigh Lodge are progressing candidates into roles and second interviews.