Moray benefits claims continue to fall year-on-year, latest figures reveal
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THE number of benefits claimants in Moray continues to fall, new figures from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have revealed.
Year-on-year figures for February show that good progress is ongoing in the 18-24 age group, where the number of claimants fell 30 – 12 per cent – to 225.
The decrease in over-50s on benefits stalled, with the year-on-year figures remained the same after months of heading in a downward direction.
Overall, the number of claimants stood at 1315, a decrease of 70 or five per cent.
Jane Munro, DWP Employer and Partnership Manager for Moray Jobcentres, said: This week’s employment statistics highlight the great work being done by work coaches across Moray.
"Jobcentre work coaches play an increasingly important role by supporting businesses fill their vacancies, so helping grow the economy. Helping more people get ready to enter the jobs market by providing every jobseeker with the support that suits their individual needs is a vital part of this.
"Examples of locally activity are Hanover, Global Highland and Parklands. We held an online jobs fair on March 12 and are working closely with employers to attend the Jobcentres across Moray. Our message is that work coaches are there to help people to make a positive difference to their lives.
“Importantly for those on Universal Credit people keep more of what they earn, while parents can receive increased childcare payments. Meanwhile jobseekers can find their perfect match by searching our DWP FindaJob website, which has thousands of jobs on offer or follow Moray Works on Facebook."
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, added: “Our plan for the economy is working. Employment is up on the year, the number of people on payrolls is at a record high, and inactivity is falling.
“But our work is not done. Our Back to Work Plan will help a million people to find, stay and succeed in employment. With the next generation of welfare reforms, we’re reducing the number of people on the highest tier of incapacity benefits by 371,000 – people who will now receive support back into work.
“And with the tax cuts announced in [the] budget we will boost the labour force by the equivalent of 200,000 workers, while putting £900 back into the pockets of 27 million hard-working people.”
