DWP in Moray welcome 'very positive year' as latest benefits claims figures released

THE latest year-on-year benefits claims figures for Moray have been hailed as rounding off a "positive year" in the region.

The latest figures from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) show Moray continuing to buck the Scotland-wide trend in the 18-24 age group, with November's total of 220 representing a fall of 10 – or four per cent – on the same month last year. The corresponding figures across Scotland over the same timeframe nationwide show a rise of 275 to 18,635 (one per cent).

Across all age groups Moray continues to see a fall in the number of claimants, dropping from 1315 last November to 1240, a decrease of six per cent. It was a bigger percentage drop that that recorded across the country which saw claimants down by 2350 to 106,380 (two per cent).

The over-50s category continues to be a success story in Moray, decreasing by eight per cent from 330 to 305.

A similar picture was presented across the country, the national total down by seven per cent – 1855 – to 23,930.

Reflecting on what she said was a successful year Jane Munro, Employer and Partnership Manager for Moray Jobcentres, said: “It’s been a busy, positive year at our Jobcentres with everyone working hard to help jobseekers and employers.

"We’ve built new partnerships with businesses, some recruiting in our office, and a great example of this is autism and neurodiversity, Moray Council M.Connect & Global Highland.

"We’ve also increased the number of online and in-person jobsfairs, including the very popular specialist events for the 50-plus and young people along with Marketplace events, and these will continue in 2024.

“Looking to the new year we have vacancies in virtually every sector, whether that’s hospitality or health care. We’ll also be looking to expand our services to open up the possibility of guiding parents and people with a health condition into fulfilling employment.

"Importantly, jobseeking parents on Universal Credit can get extra financial help through increased childcare payments and we can support you through Moray Pathways, too.

"Jobseekers can also check out the thousands of vacancies on offer, by searching the DWP FindaJob website or follow Moray Works on Facebook.”

Scottish Secretary, Alister Jack, added: “Scotland's labour market remains strong with the number of people employed at an all time high and unemployment remaining below the UK average.

"Now that inflation has been halved, we are focused on growing our economy to drive long-term prosperity across the country. That’s why from next month we’re cutting tax to reward work, reducing national insurance contributions from 12 per cent to 10 per cent, worth more than £450 for the average worker.

“And it’s why we have directly invested more than £2.7 billion across Scotland through our ambitious levelling up agenda to create jobs and opportunities.”

Benefits are set to be increased by 6.7 per cent and pensions by 8.5 per cent, while around 1.6 million households will also gain from an increase to the Local Housing Allowance – and will be around £800 a year better off on average.