Moray benefits claims continue on downward trend
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THE number of benefits claimants in Moray has continued to fall, latest year-on-year-figures for March have revealed.
Overall, 1355 people in the region were claiming benefits, down 45 from the same period last year, a fall of three per cent.
There was continued good news in the 18-24 age group with a four per cent fall - 10 - recorded, the new figure standing at 235.
There was no movement in over-50 bracket, which remains at 360.
Jane Munro, employer and partnership manager for Moray Jobcentres, said: Jobcentre work coaches play an increasingly important role by supporting businesses fill their vacancies, while helping more people get ready to enter the jobs market.
“Providing every jobseeker with the support that suits their individual needs is key to this.
“We are working with various local employers to support their upcoming recruitment and these employers are currently interviewing in Jobcentres across Moray - Walkers, Brightworks, Park Holidays. Marketplace events and jobs fairs will be taking place from May 2024 onwards, follow Moray Pathways on social media for continued updated information.
“Our message is that work coaches are there to help people to make a positive difference to their lives.
“Importantly for those on Universal Credit, people keep more of what they earn, while parents can receive increased childcare payments. Meanwhile jobseekers can find their perfect match by searching our DWP FindaJob website, which has thousands of jobs on offer or follow Moray Works on Facebook.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP commented: “We’ve seen long term sickness related inactivity rise since the pandemic, that’s why we introduced our £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan to transform lives and grow the economy.
“Our welfare reforms will cut the number of people due to be placed in the highest tier of incapacity benefits by over 370,000. As millions are benefiting from this month’s huge boost to the National Minimum Wage, it is work, not welfare, that delivers the best financial security for British households.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack added: “Scotland’s labour market remains resilient with unemployment falling slightly and a rise in the number of people in employment.
“Our plan to get more people into employment and deliver economic growth is working.
“We’ve halved inflation sooner than forecast, and at Spring Budget the Chancellor outlined further plans to reward work, including another 2p cut to National Insurance that’s worth £833 extra per year to the average worker - around 2.4million people in Scotland will benefit.
“We’ve also just introduced the biggest ever rise to the National Living Wage meaning around 200,000 hard-working Scots will be £1,800 better off.
“The money the UK Government is investing directly in Scotland has now passed the £3bn mark, creating jobs and opportunities and encouraging prosperity right at the heart of communities.”
