Arndale Centre extension The Beacon creates 600 jobs in Eastbourne

The Beacon, Eastbourne, has created around 600 new jobs in the town, says the DWP

According to the Department for Work and Pensions, the multi-million pound extension of the former Arndale Centre has provided the town with a boost of employment.

All you need to know about Universal Credit payments in Eastbourne this festive period

A spokesperson said, “Eastbourne Jobcentre continues to work closely with all relevant local partners, with a particular focus on responding to the expanding jobs market.

“Employer growth both within the Beacon (Arndale) centre and a new hotel on the seafront have led DWP to work with training providers.

“We have been able to enrol many of our customers on to SIA (Security Industry), Hospitality and First Aid and Food Safety courses.

“All these have been supported by employers recruiting now and in the New Year. We are closely monitoring news of the opening of a Nando’s, Ask Italian and Frankie & Benny’s as well as a new Brufords store.”

However, the statistics announced today (December 11) also reveal those claiming benefits in Eastbourne have risen by 70 per cent since November last year.

According to the DWP, there are currently 1,790 people receiving benefits in the town – compared with 1,050 in November 2017.

But the number three per cent smaller than it was in 2010, the DWP pointed out.

Among young people aged between 18-24 there has been a 47 per cent increase in benefit claimants since this time last year.

There are currently 330 people of this age group on benefits in Eastbourne, whereas last November there were 225.

This, however, is 33 per cent fewer young people than it was in 2010.