Big fall in benefits claims for Moray over-50s in June
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MORAY continues to perform better than the national figures for benefit claims, the latest figures from the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions) have revealed.
Year-on-year figures for June saw an overall fall of 135 – nine per cent – to 1350 compared the the same month last year.
In the 18-24 age group the numbers claiming benefits dropped six per cent from 250 to 235, while the over-50 age range witnessed a massive 20 per cent reduction, last year's total of 405 falling by 85.
Nationally, across all age groups claims were reduced by two per cent to 111,220, a fall of 1875.
However, among young people aged 18-24 there was a rise of seven per cent – 1255 people – to 19,240.
The over-50 age bracket enjoyed a nine per cent dip of nine per cent, dropping by 2445 to 25,365.
The figures include both those seeking work and those claiming in-work benefits.
Jackie Cooke, spokesperson for Moray Jobcentres said: “Improving jobseeker prospects will help to achieve the government’s priority to grow the economy.
"Work coaches are playing a crucial role to support jobseekers develop their full potential by encouraging them to review their skill and abilities, while identifying barriers to starting, or progressing in the world of work.
"Importantly, specialist support is available for those aged 50-plus, or with a health condition, so they remain connected with opportunities, and for parents on Universal Credit, there are now increased childcare payments.
"Locally we are working with our large-scale manufacturing employers to support them fill their vacancies and help jobseekers find work. To assist with this, we arranged a recent training opportunity at Moray UHI to enable our customers to get into manufacturing.
"We also hosted a training course to help our customers get into construction and arranged guaranteed interviews with our local employers to help customers gain job starts. To help our 50Plus customers we hosted a recent event which included an information session detailing all support available followed by a jobs fair with eight employers in attendance.
"Jobseekers can also check out many of the vacancies on offer, by searching the DWP ‘FindaJob’ website.”
Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman said it was important to foster growth to help grow the economy.
He continued: “It’s encouraging to see inactivity falling, vacancies dropping, and employment on the up.
’To get prices down and help make mortgages manageable, we must halve inflation and grow our economy. To do that we are helping those who can, into work, and we recently increased the amount someone on Universal Credit can claim back for childcare to make working that bit easier.
"Our new Midlife MOT website is also helping everyone to future-proof their finances, whether that’s looking at options for work, reviewing their skills or understanding their pensions.”
Alister Jack Secretary of State for Scotland added: “Scotland continues to have near record unemployment, even in the face of global challenges, our jobs market is proving resilient.
"The UK government remains committed to halving inflation, reducing debt and growing the economy. Just last month we increased the amount of childcare support a person can claim on Universal Credit allowing thousands more to return to work or progress their careers.”
