Herts Ahead

St Albans 2010

Population and their occupations

The population of St Albans is 133,700 – 81,300 people are of working age and 66,700 are in employment including self employment. The number of young people (16 – 18) not in education, employment or training at the moment is 3.1% (May 2010), the latest unemployment rate is 4.2% (16+) with 2% claiming JSA or NI credits (16 – 59/64 May 2010). There are 3.6 Job Seekers’ Allowance claimants to every unfilled Job Centre Plus vacancy (June 2010) in St Albans (4.7 for Great Britain).

62.2% (over two thirds) of the District’s residents are employed in professional and managerial positions, compared to 43.2% nationally.

Employee jobs by Industry in St Albans

Employee jobs excludes self-employed, government-supported trainees and HM Forces

Qualifications held by and earnings of local residents in St Albans

Hertfordshire has a highly qualified workforce, with 74.1% of year 11 students achieving level 2 qualifications at 16. However, 78.8% of the residents in St Albans aged 19 – 59/64 have at least a level 2 qualification and this figure continues to increase as student performance improves.  Job seekers are competing with other well qualified applicants. 48.4% of St Albans residents aged 19 – 59/64 have a level 4 (Degree) qualification.

The median full time gross weekly wage of St Albans residents in 2009 was £676.70.  The national trend for gender differences in earnings occurs in Hertfordshire with men earning more than women. Young people looking for their first job can expect to receive between £132 and £192 a week. Apprenticeship minimum pay is currently £95 a week.

Employment in St Albans

St Albans is a significant retail centre and features small specialist retailers, as well as High Street multiples. The restaurant sector is expanding and contributes to a vibrant evening economy. The financial services sector is prominent within the local economy and the surrounding area is favoured by distributive industries.

The main business areas are: Alban Park on the Hatfield Road and Porters Wood, Batford Mill, Coldharbour Lane, Southdown Road and Lea Industrial Estate.

In 2008 there were 7,399 Business Units in St Albans district; 87.7% of them employed less than 10 employees. The three employment sectors of Finance/ Business, Public Admin and

Distribution/ Retail combined account for nearly 80% of local jobs.

Some local employers

Advice for young people

Many young people in St Albans are competing for jobs with local skilled people. The opportunities include Warehousing, Retail, Office, Waiter/Waitress, Bar work, Café Work, Telephone reservation. The retail sector is still recruiting and there are some opportunities in Bars and Restaurants. St Albans has more opportunities for higher skilled professionals and experienced staff. During this difficult time young people are advised to get voluntary experience if possible and to look further afield in Watford, and the London Boroughs.

Top 3 areas where year 11 students found employment and training:

·         Hairdressing and related

·          Motor vehicle

·         Construction