Benefits claims in Moray fall by 100
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THE number of people claiming Universal Credit (UC) in Moray between March and April this year fell by almost 100.
Figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have revealed that in April there were 6193 UC claimants in the region as opposed to 6286 the previous month, a fall of 93 or 1.5 per cent. This includes those who are claiming UC as an in-work benefit.
The decrease mirrors the trend across Scotland for the same period, when a dip of 5321 from 451,187 to 445, 860 – 1.2 per cent – was recorded.
Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP said: “Our domestic labour market is recovering well with payroll numbers growing once again and vacancies remaining strong.
"It’s also fantastic to see over one million more disabled people are in work than this time five years ago.
“We do however, fully recognise the impact global inflationary pressures are having on the cost of living for families which is why we’re taking action to help the lowest earners. Our work coaches are helping people daily in our jobcentres to move into work – those going into full time employment could be £6000 better off than on benefits.
“That’s why we've launched the Way to Work campaign to get half a million more people to progress into work with over 280,000 moving into a job during the first three months of the campaign.”
Minister for Welfare Delivery, David Rutley MP, added: “Universal Credit provides a vital safety net to 5.6 million people.
"We have now begun the next phase of our careful roll out which will see all those on legacy benefits transferred by the end of 2024. There are around 1.4 million people on legacy benefits who would be better off on Universal Credit and I urge those still on the old system to take check their entitlement via a benefits calculator on gov.uk.”
In Moray, in order to help young people into the world of work the DWP have introduced a youth hour on their Twitter account – @JCPinNorthScot – every Friday to promote vacancies which are suitable for younger customers.
Other information, such as other training or opportunities from partners, including the Prince's Trust, Barnardo's Works and Developing the Young Workforce, as well as apprenticeships, vacancies and SWAPs will also be promoted.
