Firms looking for workers as Universal Credit claims rise in Falkirk

A number of large employers are on the hunt for new workers as the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) reports an increase in Universal Credit claimants.
By James Trimble
Published 24th Feb 2021, 08:58 BST
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According to the latest DWP figures there were 9725 people in the Falkirk area claiming Universal Credit as of January 14 – this is an increase of 143 people since the last count on December 10 last year, a 1.5 per cent increase.

The increase in Falkirk is less than the figures for Scotland as a whole – with 482,951 people claiming Universal Credit in January compared to 475,543 in December for a 1.6 per cent increase.

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Falkirk job centres are currently delivering a number of programmes designed to reduce the figures and get people back into employment.

Falkirk's job centres are working with businesses to help people back into workFalkirk's job centres are working with businesses to help people back into work
Falkirk's job centres are working with businesses to help people back into work

A DWP spokesperson said: “The Kick-start programme is delivering over 10,000 new opportunities for young people over the next few months with over

125,000 opportunities planned in several sectors across the UK.

“Employment opportunities will come from public, private and third sector employers. Falkirk job centres are currently working in partnership with Forth Valley College to provide support and guidance to young customers aged 18 to 24 in the Youth Hub.

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"We are also continually liaising with Falkirk Council, Skills Development Scotland, Developing Young Workforce and SVCO and local volunteering organisations to support our customers move nearer and into work.

“We are currently engaging with the employers in Falkirk area, carrying out recruitment work with Cartmore Building Supplies, Forth Skips, IBT and Pink

Elephant Communications.”

Visit www.gov.uk for more information.

Related topics:FalkirkUniversal CreditScotlandFalkirk Council

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