Benefits claims by over-50s continue to fall in Moray, new figures show

THERE has been a continued fall in the number of people aged 50 and over in Moray claiming benefits, new figures have revealed.

Year-on-year figures for July in the region released by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) show that there has been a 14 per cent drop in claims from people in the 50 plus age range, falling by 55 to 330. This compares to a 20 per cent dip in June's year-on-year figures.

However, there was a rise in the number of people in the 18-24 age range claiming benefits, up 10 – four per cent – to 255. It follows a drop in the previous month of six percent.

Across all age ranges, a small decrease amounting to one per cent was recorded, the number of claimants falling by 15 to 1410.

Jane Munro, spokesperson for the DWP's Moray Jobcentres, said: “Unlocking the skills and abilities of jobseekers, improves their employment prospects, and helps achieve the government’s priority to grow the economy.

"Key to this is the individual specialist support from our team of work coaches, who ensures that everyone gets the help they need, whether they are leaving education, are 50 plus, or have a health condition. This crucial support enables jobseekers to develop their full potential.

“Identifying barriers to starting and progressing in world of work is a key aspect of the work coach role, so that people can make the most of the help available. Importantly, jobseeking parents on Universal Credit, can now get extra financial help through increased childcare payments.

“Locally we are working with these employers – Moray Council, Cornerstone, Johnstons of Elgin , The Granary and Chivas Bros Ltd – to fill their vacancies and support jobseekers to find work. There is a jobs fair on August 29 at UHI Moray with over 30 employers attending, and we are currently delivering training courses in manufacturing and security.

"To find out more about how we can support your return to work, please email jcpmoray.employerandpartnershipteam@dwp.gov.uk/

“Jobseekers can also check out the thousands of vacancies on offer, by searching the DWP ‘FindaJob’ website or follow Moray Works on Facebook."

Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman added: “Our jobs market continues to show its strength with employment at near record levels and inactivity down by over 300,000 since the pandemic peak.

"Combined with falling inflation and our package of reforms to remove barriers to work, we are on the right path to drive down household costs and grow our economy.”

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