Moray youth benefits claims fall, new figures reveal
Benefits claims among young people have dropped by almost 20 per cent, new figures have revealed.
New year-on-year statistics for the month of August from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have revealed that in the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East constituency benefits claims from those in the 18-24-year-old age group had fallen by 17 per cent from 277 to 220.
Among those aged 50 or over, there was a smaller fall of seven per cent - down 25 to 345 - while overall there was an increase totalling four per cent, up from 1375 to 1430.
Meanwhile, the picture in the Moray Council area is not quite so positive. Overall, claims were up by seven per cent year-on-year from 1290 to 1385. A similar reduction in 18-24 category claims was recorded, dropping by six per cent - 15 - to 225. The over-50s rose by 35 - 11 per cent - to 345.
The Aberdeenshire North and Moray East trend has bettered the national one for the same period, with all age groups showing an increase of seven per cent (up 7680 to 117,185), with two per cent (increasing 405 to 20,265) and six per cent a 1540 hike to 26,045) rises noted in the 18-24 and over-50 age groups respectively.
Jane Munro, DWP Employer and Partnership Manager for Moray Jobcentres, said: ”Jobseekers looking to move forward in their career will find the inspiration and support they need at their local jobcentre.
“Developing a relationship with their work coaches can prove extremely beneficial to set them on the right path, taking into account their personal circumstances. Underpinning this our specialist employer partnership teams are working with businesses to identify, help fill their vacancies and put them in contact with suitable candidates.
“Locally activity includes support for jobseekers working with Baxters, Moray Council, KFC, Tony Weir and Whitbread to provide many local opportunities. We also have an upcoming online jobsfair on Tuesday, October 1 from 11am-1pm, follow DWP @jcpscotland to see local vacancies being advertised.
Importantly parents on Universal Credit can receive help with childcare payments.
“We continue to deliver courses to pave the way to conversational confidence, being able to confidently answer questions and participating in discussions without the fear of forgetting what to say, ultimately learning those hints and tips to make you a success at interview. If you would like to know about these courses, please speak to your work coach about Perfect Patter.
“Jobseekers can search our DWP ‘FindaJob’ website, to check out the thousands of jobs on offer or follow Moray Works on Facebook.”
