COMPANIES have confirmed a sharp increase in the number of candidates applying for jobs as unemployment in Guernsey continues to rise.

As at the end of February, 434 people were registered as unemployed and that figure is expected to increase again this month.

There has also been a reduction in the number of jobs available as businesses look to cut costs where possible. This has combined to result in increased competition for new roles.

Specsavers confirmed it had received about 40 applications for a recently advertised job.

Healthspan also said it had seen an increase in applications from young people starting out in employment.

Caroline Shakerley, HR manager, said these included applications for administrative positions requiring a good general education, computer skills and knowledge of Excel spread sheets and database management.

‘We believe that our presence at the Careers Convention earlier in the year was beneficial for promoting the varied roles available within the Healthspan Group.’

Unemployment passed two million in the UK last week, and it has been predicted that for every job available an average of 10 people would be applying.