Year-on-year drop in Moray benefits claims for December
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MORAY'S year-on-year benefits claimants count for December has fallen by almost a quarter.
New figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) show that claims across all age groups fell by 425 – or 23 per cent – to 1385 in December last year.
In the 18-24 age category there was an 18 per cent fall from 310 to 255 while the biggest per cent drop was to be found among the over-50s with a decrease of 180 to 340, or 35 per cent.
These benefits claims include those in work and those seeking employment.
Across Scotland, the number of people unemployed stands at 92,000, down 8000 on the year.
Jackie Cooke, DWP Elgin Jobcentre spokesperson, said: “Our work coaches are here to support people taking the first steps on their journey back to work.
"The priority is helping those 50+, and others who may need to build confidence and develop new skills because they’ve been out of the jobs market for a while.
“For the coming year plans are already in hand to focus activity on helping businesses recruit, as there are still are plenty of vacancies available especially in the manufacturing, social care and hospitality sectors.
"We are working closely with employers within these industries to help with recruitment through tailored support, interviews and jobsfairs. We have a number of events coming up to help our customers move closer or into work, including a construction course and a Volunteering Marketplace. We have also been working closely with the local authority and have arranged a Jobsfair to assist a number of their departments with recruitment.
“Importantly, changes to Universal Credit mean people are working more and keeping more of what they earn. Meanwhile our DWP Find a Job website, has many jobs on offer.”
Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP, added: “It is positive to see more people moving into jobs or taking steps to search for work.
“Helping people to secure a reliable income is a priority as we start this year. Across our jobcentres we provide one-to-one tailored support for every jobseeker, breaking down barriers for those thinking about re-entering the workforce, such as older workers or those who have been out of work due to ill health.
“We know the challenges people are facing with the cost of living and have already provided substantial support to help with rising bills, while millions of vulnerable households will continue to be supported with up to £1350 in additional direct cash payments over the next financial year.”
