Number of Lanarkshire locals claiming Jobseeker's Allowance drops according to latest data
Latest official data shows the number of jobless people in Lanarkshire has gone down.
This week's employment statistics show a seven per cent reduction in the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in South Lanarkshire.
A particular success is the 50-plus age group, where more than 140 people in South Lanarkshire have returned to work.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: 'We know that by targeting personal support to every jobseeker, people gain the confidence to develop their abilities and skills to re-join the work force, or progress in their career.
'That's why Work Coaches are working hard, ensuring jobseekers know how they can benefit from the huge amount of support available. Specialist support also continues to be available for those aged 50-plus, or with a health condition, so they remain connected with opportunities.
'During the busy summer season, jobcentres are focussed on working with employers to increase the supply of new workers to help fill their vacancies, currently in retail and construction sectors where we have delivered work experience placements and sector-based work academy programmes.'
In neighbouring North Lanarkshire, there was a four per cent drop in the number of people out of work. A focus on youth has seen 40 young people find or return to work with the help and support of their work coaches.
Government Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern, added: 'Supporting more people into work and putting more money in the pockets of working people is at the heart of our Plan for Change.
'That's why we are transforming the way we help people into secure, well-paid jobs. Six months after we launched Get Britain Working, we are already seeing the benefits with economic activity at a record high, with 500,000 more people in employment since we entered office and real wages growing more since July than in the decade after 2010.
'People all over the country are benefitting from increased training opportunities and the newly-launched Jobs and Careers Service will allow us to test new and innovative approaches to personalise employment support.'
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