Lockdown hits Scottish jobless totals
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THE number of people people successfully claiming Universal Credit (UC) in Moray topped the 5000 mark in April, newly published figures have revealed.
With a total of 5003, it represents a rise on the march figure of 3537, the steep rise reflecting the the large scale shutdown of normal business as the lockdown began to bite. It was a picture reflected across Scotland, with those receiving UC leaping from 264,109 to 373,300 over the same time period.
Scottish unemployment as a whole has risen 13 per cent, according to figures covering March and now stands at 113,000.
Will Quince, Minister for Welfare Delivery, said: “Jobcentre staff have done a fantastic job of processing record numbers of Universal Credit claims, and getting support to people who need it quickly.
“We’ve injected £6.5 billion into the welfare system to help people during the pandemic, increased the Universal Credit standard allowance by more than £1000 a year, raised the amount you can get to help with your rent, paused face to face Jobcentre appointments, and implemented a call back system so people aren’t waiting on the phone lines unnecessarily.
“This is alongside income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and greater protections for renters.”
Meanwhile, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also unveiled plans to invest £33 million to help get people back to work.
She said: "We know that the public health measures that we've had to take to deal with what is a public health emergency are in themselves creating an economic emergency, and that will have impact on jobs, living standards and inequalities.
"Although the job retention scheme has offered some relief to many employers and employees, I am very aware that many people will be right now deeply concerned about the future of their livelihoods.
"That's why we've already allocated more than £2.3 billion to support businesses and protect livelihoods, and it is of course why we have welcomed so warmly many of the measures taken by the UK Government, including the job retention scheme.
"Skills Development Scotland has expanded its support for people seeking training or employment by establishing a phone line and online service.
"The new online service, which highlights links to free courses which are available, has received 120,000 visitors since it launched just over three weeks ago today.
"...we are taking further action to tackle the employment challenge created by Covid-19.
"Our enterprise and skills strategic board, which was first established two and half years ago, will now co-ordinate rapid action across the enterprise and skills agencies.
"In doing so, it will ensure our actions now are helping to equip people with the skills they need for the future.
"However, I can confirm today we will be investing a further £33 million to support people to get back to work as we gradually get the economy opened up again, most of which will be allocated to Fair Start Scotland which is our devolved employability service to help those most adversely affected in times of economic hardship."
UC replaces a number of previously separate benefits: Child Tax Credit; Housing Benefit; Income Support; income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA); Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA); Working Tax Credit.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have launched a new jobs portal signposting people to roles in critical sectors helping the country tick over. These new websites are to support jobseekers find work in new sectors and generally looking for work now. This website also has articles, tips and guides to help people who are able and willing to take up roles now in sectors which are expanding rapidly.
Local vacancies are available also via twitter @jcpinNorthScot and while the usual support and training programmes are on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic the DWP in Moray are starting to see some vacancies advertised locally via Facebook and Find a Job for Moray.
With the furlough scheme now extended until October furloughed employees can get an outline of how much they may be entitled to by using the benefits calculator at https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators to see if they would qualify for Universal Credit.
For information about the changes the government has brought in to support people who are already claiming benefits, need to claim benefits, or are at risk of losing their job as a result of coronavirus, visit the new Employment and benefits support site.
For more about any aspect of Universal Credit, including how to make a claim, visit Understanding Universal Credit.
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