Moray benefits claims rise by more than 20% among over-50s
There has been a rise of over 20 per cent in the number of over-50s claiming benefits in the Moray Westminster constituency, new figures have revealed.
Year-on-year figures for the month of September newly published by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) show that those claiming benefits in that age category increased by 60 to 345, or 21 per cent.
A smaller rise of nine per cent - 105 - was recorded across all age groups bringing the total to 1315.
There was good news in the 18-24 category, where those claiming benefits fell to 210 from 225, a drop of seven per cent.
Meanwhile, over in the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East constituency, which includes Buckie, Fochabers and Keith, the news was slightly better. The number of over-50 on benefits stayed static year-on-year at 345, while overall there was only a two per cent growth in numbers - up 35 to 1375 or two per cent.
The 18-24 age grouping enjoyed an 18 per cent fall in claimants, down 55 to 210.
Scotland-wide, the trend across the board was upwards. A total of 113,535 - up 8505 or eight per cent - were recorded as claiming benefits, with 18,905 18-24-year-olds (up 515 or three per cent) and 25,960 over-50s (an increase of 2240 or nine per cent) doing likewise.
The figures includes both those looking for work and people claiming in-work benefits.
Jane Munro, Employer and Partnership Manager for Moray Jobcentres, said: ”With Christmas fast approaching, many employers are looking for temporary staff to fill their vacancies.
“Jobseekers will find inspiration and lots of help to apply at their local jobcentre. Many will find that seasonal work provides an opportunity to build new skills and experience, which can be carried forward later to a permanent role.
“We’re working hard with employers in the neighbourhood to identify their vacancies, which will ensure jobseekers have the best chance to find work that suits their personal situation.
“Locally activity includes support for jobseekers working with Baxters, KFC, Cathay Care Home, Tesco and G4S to provide many local opportunities. We have an information day available on November 1 at Parklands Care Group, to find out more about this opportunity and vacancies currently available, please speak to your work coach.
“Importantly parents on Universal Credit can receive help with childcare payments.
“We continue to deliver courses to pave 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 about Perfect Patter.
“Jobseekers can search our DWP FindaJob website, to check out the thousands of jobs on offer or follow Moray Works on Facebook.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP added: “To get Britain growing again we need to get Britain working again. Millions of people are locked out of work due to long term sickness.
“This is not good for them, for our economy or for the taxpayer.
“That’s why we will bring forward the biggest reforms to employment support in a generation – overhauling jobcentres, delivering a youth guarantee so every young person is learning or earning, and new work, health and skills plans to tackle inactivity – unlocking opportunity and potential in every area of the country.”
Commenting on the publication of the Scottish Labour Market Statistics, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, said: “Our Bill introduced [recently] is bringing the biggest upgrade to workers’ rights in a generation, giving people support to join the workforce and the security they need to remain in fairly-paid jobs.
“We’re banning exploitative zero-hour contracts, making the national minimum wage a real living wage, and planning Jobcentre reform. We’re forging stronger links with our global business partners and, through our Industrial Strategy, focussing on eight key sectors to drive progress and create jobs and opportunity across the UK.”
