Moray year-on-year benefits claims fall by almost 15 per cent
THE number of benefits claimants in Moray has fallen by more than10 per cent, year-on-year figures for April have revealed.
Overall in Moray, the claimant count in April stood at 1235, down 205 from the same period last year, a fall of 14 per cent.
There was also good news in the 18-24 and over-50 age brackets.
In the former category a decrease of 30 - 12 per cent - to 220 was recorded while in the latter the number claiming benefits dropped to 340 from 365 the year before, a reduction of seven per cent.
The figures mirrored Scotland-wide trend with decreases recorded in all three categories.
Jane Munro, Employer and Partnership Manager for Moray 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. As announced [recently], Universal Credit claimants will benefit from extra help from their work coach if they work less than 18 hours a week.
“With nearly 900,000 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 are Johnstons of Elgin, Park Holidays, Tony Weir Contractors Ltd, and Moray Council. A recruitment event specifically for Moray Council vacancies was held on May 7 with over 30 customers attending to find out more about what is available locally and how to apply.
“We are also delivering Perfect Patter courses, aimed at paving the way to conversational confidence, being able to confidently answer questions and participating in discussions without the fear of forgetting what to say, ultimately learning those hints and tips to make you a success at interview. If you would like to know about these courses, please speak to your work coach.
“Importantly, those on Universal Credit can keep more of what they earn, while parents can receive increased childcare payments. Jobseekers can search our DWP FindaJob website, to check out the thousands of jobs on offer or follow Moray Works on Facebook.”
Welcoming the national figures, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP commented: “We are leaving no stone unturned to get people back to work, rolling out the most radical changes to welfare in a generation including reforming how we assess someone’s capability to work, overhauling the fit note process and helping over a million people through our £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan.
“We’ll always be on the side of hardworking families and with real wages still rising, alongside tax cuts and the huge boost to the National Living Wage, we are incentivising work over welfare as we build a strong economy where everyone has a brighter future.”
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack added: “We’ve made good progress as wages are rising faster than inflation and payroll numbers in Scotland have increased since the start of 2024.
“We are also putting more money in people’s pockets by halving inflation, cutting taxes and boosting the National Living Wage.
"Getting more people into employment is a priority. Our £2.5 billion Back to Work measures are transforming lives and, with direct UK Government investment in Scotland now standing at more than £ 3billion, we are creating jobs and opportunities right across the UK.”
