THE NUMBER of people searching for work in the region rose by 66 per cent in the year up to last November, new statistics have revealed.
A total of 4408 individuals in Dumfries and Galloway were included in the Department for Work and Pension’s alternative claimant count — up 1747 from the previous year. Furthermore, a 74 per cent rise was noted in the number of 18-24 year olds looking for jobs in the region, with 811 counted in November — 344 more than the same period in 2019.
Statistics published by Nomis in November revealed that 4525 people — equivalent to 5.2 per cent of Dumfries and Galloway’s working population — claimed out of work benefits in October following a precarious year of restrictions, uncertainty and job losses.
Minister for employment Mims Davies MP said: “These figures show many people are still facing difficult times, but our support is helping keep millions of workers on payrolls across the country.
“Whilst there is light at the end of the tunnel with jabs already in the arms of millions and the vaccine rollout gathering pace, our Plan for Jobs is helping to protect and support livelihoods, as well as create new opportunities for those who need them.”
DWP’s end of year figures also showed a regional rise of one per cent in the number of Universal Credit claims between November and December, below Scotland’s average of 1.5 per cent.
