Moray benefits claims drop by a quarter
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THE number of people claiming benefits in Moray year-on-year has fallen again.
Latest figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) reveal that the number of people claiming benefits in the region in November was 1335, down 525 – or 28 per cent – on the same month last year.
The downward trend was repeated across the age groups. The number of 18-24-year-olds claiming benefits in Moray dropped by 25 per cent from 235 to 155 while in the over 50 age group the figure stood at 330, down 180 on last November, a drop of 35 per cent.
These figures include those seeking work and those claiming in-work benefits.
Jane Munro, Moray-based DWP Employer and Partnership Manager, said: "Jobcentres have had an extremely busy year, working hard, directly with employers to fill their vacancies with the right person.
"We’ve supported jobseekers to develop their skills, while also helping people to progress in their career.
“In particular we have held jobsfairs for business such as Johnston's of Elgin, Social Care Sector and two large events at UHI with over 30 employers in attendance at both.
"We have also held Sector Based Work Academies for Chivas Brothers and Mayne's Coaches of Buckie.
“For the coming year plans are already in hand to ramp up activity as there are still numerous vacancies available especially in the key industries where we’re helping to recruit.
“The changes to Universal Credit and our 50PLUS offer means we can provide specialist help to even more claimants through intensive support, to help them get into work and seize opportunities to increase their job prospects and pay.
“Our DWP ‘Find a Job’ website, signposts people to jobs, where thousands of jobs are on offer.
“Follow Moray Pathways on Facebook to keep up to date with local events."
Mrs Munro added that at the moment the DWP in Moray had three events planned for the first couple of months of 2023.
Tuesday, January 24 will see the latest online jobs fair held on Twitter while the following Monday heralds the start of aconstruction course at UHI Moray, which is scheduled to run until Friday, February 10.
Meanwhile, on Friday, February 3 a Volunteer Marketplace will take place at Moray Pathways Hub.
Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP commented: “Today’s figures show the number of people on payrolls remains at an all-time high.
"But it is important that working people get the support they need to progress and boost their incomes.
“This government will always take steps to make sure work pays. We have already cut the Universal Credit taper rate and increased the work allowance, so claimants can keep more of their hard-earned money.
“Next year, we’re going further by providing tailored employment support to a further 600,000 claimants on Universal Credit who are already in work.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack added: “Scotland’s labour market continues to demonstrate its resilience, with unemployment remaining close to historic lows and the number of employees on the payroll continuing to rise.
"The UK government is committed to helping people find and progress in work, and to drive sustainable economic growth. The Chancellor set out a number of measures in the Autumn Statement to put public finances on a secure footing and to promote economic growth – steps that are already making a positive contribution to tackling inflationary pressures.”
