Recent statistics from the largest union (UNISON) in the UK indicate that at the moment there are at least two people pursuing every vacant job in Reigate and Banstead.

The facts for the borough, highlighted by UNISON, have come alongside the broader backdrop of there being appraching three people applying for every job advertised in the South-east.

In Reigate and Banstead borough, the research makes it clear there are 2.4 applicants pursuing each vacancy.

The figure, which is matched by that for Runnymede, is the highest in Surrey.

The figures state that Tandridge district has the county's second highest total with 2.2 people competing for every job, while in Mole Valley, the district which, along with Waverley borough, has the third highest figure in Surrey, the outlook is slightly better at 1.8 people per position.

The area of Surrey with the lowest number of job seekers chasing each job is Elmbridge, where there are 1.2 people for each job vacancy.

UNISON announced the research exposes the harmful situation in the current jobs crisis and the very real need for a bold strategy for growth and jobs in this week's budget.

The figures have been compiled by NOMIS, the Official Labour Market website for the National Office of Statistics, and are for Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) claimants per unfilled jobcentre vacancy.

Phil Wood, South East regional secretary for UNISON, said: “The scale of the ongoing jobs crisis is deeply worrying.”

Mr Wood said: “Three long years of cuts – with more to come – and still there are not enough jobs to go around. “The Government has got it wrong on the recession and it has sacrificed our recovery. “As well as laying waste to our public services, cuts have a stranglehold on the private sector.” He continued: “The Government does have a choice. Use the budget to outline a bold strategy for jobs and growth. “Make people feel secure in their jobs and they are more likely to spend. Give public sector workers a decent pay rise and more money will flow through tills in local shops and businesses, helping our beleaguered high streets.” He concluded: “The most damaging thing the Government could do is to plough on regardless with its reckless anti-growth, no hope, cuts strategy.”

Source: www.nomisweb.co.uk