Job seekers in Peterborough are facing a tougher search for work as the number of vacancies falls.

The challenging employment scene in the city comes as new figures show the number of people claiming job-related Universal Credit benefits fell slightly last month.

But Jobcentre managers say there has been a fall in the number of vacancies being offered by employers across the area, making the jobs market more competitive.

Data released by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) show the number of Universal Credit claimants in the Peterborough parliamentary constituency fell by 20 people to 5,345 claimants in September compared to the same month last year.

However, over the same time there was an increase of three per cent in the number of people aged 50 plus claiming Universal Credit - up by 35 people to 1,135.

And the number of people aged 18 to 24-years-old claiming Universal Credit rose by four per cent over the same period with claimant numbers also rising by 35 people to 985.

The DWP’s own Find a Job website currently has 1,349 vacancies available across Peterborough and the surrounding area.

George Bateman, recruitment consultant team leader for Peterborough Jobcentre, said: “There are plenty of vacancies here, although less than previously.

“We are also tending to see more people going for the same roles.

“And we’re seeing people applying for jobs that they are more than qualified for. It seems a lot of people would just rather be in some form of work than not be in employment at all.

“But it does mean others might face a tougher search for work.”

However, Peterborough has just enjoyed a major employment boost with Amazon opening its One Distribution Centre at Flaxley Road, Kingston Park, which has created 1,400 jobs with site leader Tomislav Batinic saying it had been able to fill all vacancies and more.

Mr Bateman said: “Amazon is so well known and has such a pull that people are willing to travel to get there.

“It is known as an employer that pays well.”

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “Amazon’s decision to locate its first UK One Distribution Centre here strengthens Peterborough’s reputation as a leading location for business, logistics and innovation.

"The opportunities created will benefit local residents, support skills and career development.”