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DWP to focus on areas of Moray workforce depleted by Covid pandemic


By Alan Beresford

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MORAY Jobcentres are turning their focus on sectors where the pandemic has depleted workforces.

The number of Universal Credit claimants in Moray has risen slightly.
The number of Universal Credit claimants in Moray has risen slightly.

The news comes as the latest figures for those in the region who are claiming Universal Credit (UC) and are looking for work on November 21 stood at 1675, a fall of 1065 – 39 per cent year on year. Of these, some 283 were in the 18-25 age bracket, down year on year by 206 (42 per cent).

There was a slight rise in the total number of UC claimants in Moray, with the total standing at 6310, up 45 from 6245 (one per cent) on November 11.

Ann Dowd, Employer and Partnership Manager for the Moray Jobentres, said: “The new year has focussed our attention on recruiting for the key industries where the workforce has been depleted by the pandemic.

"Working in partnership with local employers in the care sector, manufacturing and PCV sectors has given us the push to look target their needs by tailoring our recruitment and support practices – whether that’s though the Kickstart scheme, via the local Youth Hub or directly at the Jobcentre.

"I’d encourage jobseekers to visit Find a Job and locate local vacancies.”

At the time of writing, in Moray there are 226 jobs on Find a Job for a variety of sectors ranging from administration and teaching through to engineering, care and manufacturing'

Two Sector-based Work Academies (SWAP) – which involves pre-employment training, work experience with a host and a guaranteed interview for those completing the course – are running.

Jobseekers interested in participating in a SWAP should speak to their work coaches in the first instance.

An information session for prospective PCV drivers with Mayne's Coaches of Buckie is due to be held on January 26.

Kickstart opportunities are still available. For more information on these jobs visit Find A Job and/or speak to your youth work coach for more information

Since the start of December 13 employer interview sessions for Kickstart have been held resulting in 26 young people starting in placements. The focus continues to be on filling the placements quickly and a further further interview sessions are planned.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP. Picture: mimsdavies.org.uk
Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP. Picture: mimsdavies.org.uk

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “Our Plan for Jobs is levelling up opportunity across the nation to progress, with payroll employment above pre-pandemic levels in every part of the UK.

“As we begin the new year, our Jobcentres are open for business, to give people the skills and confidence they need to seize new and better paid jobs in 2022. And increases in the National Living Wage and changes to Universal Credit means everyone has the support they need to move forward and be ready to grab the record number of vacancies out there.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “These figures show the UK government's Plan for Jobs is working for Scotland, with pay rolled employees increasing at a greater monthly percentage than anywhere else in the UK and remaining above pre-pandemic levels.

“Continuing to tackle the pandemic, driving our recovery and getting even more people back into work continue to be our top priorities. Our job support schemes including Kickstart and targeted support through our Jobcentre network are helping people up and down the country find jobs and progress in work.

“Our record £41 billion a year funding for the Scottish Government will also support business growth and job creation as we level up across the whole UK.”


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