Decrease in Moray benefits claims welcomed
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
THERE were big falls in the number of benefits claimants on Moray year-on-year for December, new figures have revealed.
In the 18-24 age group, the statistics from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) show that a 20 per cent fall was recorded, with 205 people – 50 fewer – claiming benefits than December 2022.
There was continuing good news for those in the over-50 category, where a 15 per cent fall is being celebrated, down 50 to 290.
Across the board there was a nine per cent decrease, down from 1385 to 1255.
Welcoming the figures, Jane Munro, spokesperson for Moray Jobcentres, said: "As the year kicks off the focus is on helping employers grow their business by opening up jobcentres for on-site recruitment.
"Also, ramping up online and in person jobsfairs means every jobseeker has an opportunity to make progress. Our next online Jobsfair is taking place on Tuesday, January 23 between 11am-1pm – check out @jcpinscotland for live vacancies.
“There remains plenty of vacancies across Moray, and jobcentre work coaches stand ready to support people, of whatever health condition or age, take the first steps back to work.
“For those on Universal Credit more financial support is available, as people can keep more of what they earn, while parents can receive increased childcare payments.
"Jobcentres have a wrap-around service as customers with health issues can access specialist support through a Disability Employment Adviser. Access to Work is also available to support people with a Health condition return to work – please check out www.gov.uk and search Access to Work for more information.
"Jobseekers can also check out the thousands of vacancies on offer, by searching the DWP FindaJob website.” or follow Moray Works on Facebook.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP added: “Today’s figures are yet more evidence the economy is turning a corner with the numbers of jobs hitting a record high and inactivity falling by nearly 270,000 last year.
“Our £2.5 billion Back to Work plan will open up the benefits of employment for thousands more people, while we continue to make work pay by cutting taxes and boosting the national living wage.”
The Back to Work plan seeks to offer employment and health support to over a million people, while protecting those most in need from cost of living pressures.
Benefits will be increased by 6.7 per cent and pensions by 8.5 per cent, maintaining the government’s commitment to seeing the country through.
Around 1.6 million households will also benefit from an increase to the Local Housing Allowance and will be around £800 a year better off on average.
