Moray sees another rise in benefits claims across the board as new figures released
There were rises across the board in benefits claims, new figures from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have revealed.
In the Moray local authority area, across all age groups there was a rise of 200 to 1410 year-on-year for April compared to the same period in 2024. This represents a increase of 17 per cent.
Among 18-24-year-olds, it was similar story, a 14 per cent rise - 30 in all - taking the new total of 245.
A smaller rise was recorded for the over-50 group, with 35 more claimants, or 11 per cent than the same time last year, making for a new total of 365.
The benefits figures include both those in work and those seeking work.
Charlene Bell, Employer Relationship Leader for Forres, Elgin and Buckie Jobcentres, said “Our Work Coaches say the best part of their job is seeing someone succeed in their employment goals.
“Giving people extra time and tailored support so they get the extra help needed to overcome barriers can make a huge difference to a someone’s life.
“With over 760,000 job vacancies available, helping people achieve financial security through work as the economy grows, helps people build a better life for themselves. Jobcentres are supporting businesses fill their vacancies and examples of locally activity is continuing to support large manufacturing companies with their recruitment.
“Working in partnership with Moray Pathways to provide additional training and support for our customers and supporting a new local retail business to start-up.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the figures showed there was still “much to do”.
He continued: “[These] figures show we are making some progress, but we still have much to do.
“We are working hard to secure Britain’s future, delivering renewal by kick-starting economic growth. In the past week, we’ve secured a landmark international trade deal with India and an economic deal with the US. Both will secure jobs and create opportunities and prosperity, putting more money in people’s pockets, a key part of our Plan for Change.
“Our groundbreaking Employment Rights Bill has improved conditions for hundreds of thousands of workers, our increase to the National Minimum Wage has brought a well-deserved pay rise of around £1400 per year for up to 220,000 Scots and we’re planning the biggest shake-up of Jobcentres in a generation to help people back to work with the targeted assistance they really need.
“The Scottish Government’s failure in this area means Scotland’s economic inactivity rate is still higher that the UK’s - which means both of Scotland’s governments need to go further to help people into work.”
Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern added: “Real wages are growing with around 200,000 more people into work since the publication of our Get Britain Working plan.
“But we know that the government’s Plan for Change needs more workers – in every part of our country. That’s why we will continue to change Jobcentres, invest in British industry, and get help to those who need it until everyone who can work has got a decent job and a good income.”
