Moray benefits claims continue to rise year-on-year, new figures show
There was a continued upward trend in Moray benefits claims for the month of March, new year-on-year figures have revealed.
Across all age groups in the region, there was a rise of 130 - or 10 per cent - compared to last year, bringing the overall total of 1445.
Among those aged 18-24, some 20 claimants were added to make a new figure of 250, representing a nine per cent rise.
There was also a nine per cent hike in the numbers for the over-50s age group, up from 350 to 380.
The picture was much the same in the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East Westminster constituency area, although there was good news for the 18-24 age group where a 10 per cent fall was recorded. This took the numbers claiming benefits down by 30 to 265.
An uptick of 30 - eight per cent - was noted for the over-50s, the new total standing at 385.
Overall, claims were up by five per cent from 1550 to 1635.
Meanwhile, in the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency, increases of 14 per cent were recorded in two out of the three categories - 18-24s and over-50s. In the former category, the figures were up 30 to 240 while in the latter an increase of 45 brought the new total to 375.
Across all age groups, the rise was 11 per cent, rising to 1460 from 1315.
The figures include those claiming in-work benefits as well as those looking for a job.
Charlene Bell, Employer Relationship Lead for Inverness and Moray jobcentres said:
“Jobcentre work coaches are geared up to provide the right support, including access to training and voluntary work experience to help jobseekers get job ready.
“In Moray we continue to support local businesses with recruitment with a focus during the last month on manufacturing, groundwork and facilities management. We also support local recruitment agencies to fill vacancies across a number of sectors and source training for our customers where any skills gaps are identified.
“Our dedicated employer partnership managers are working closely with local employers and we encourage them to get in touch to find out how we can help fill their vacancies.”
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern MP added: “We’re determined to get Britain working again as part of our Plan for Change by overhauling Jobcentres, creating good jobs, transforming skills, transitioning to net zero and delivering the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation.
“This month, local areas are also starting to roll out their plans to tackle the root causes of inactivity as we get Britain back to health and back to work – backed by a share of £125 million of investment.
“Real wages are continuing to rise, and the National Living Wage is also coming into effect this month – boosting working people’s payslips and improving living standards as part of our Plan for Change.”
