Fewer people in Scunthorpe are claiming Universal Credit compared to a year ago
700 less people are claiming the benefit and returning to work
700 fewer people in Scunthorpe are claiming Universal Credit due to unemployment compared to a year ago.
Thousands of people across the country turned to Universal Credit during the economic hardship caused by coronavirus last year.
The Job Centre’s latest figures show North Lincolnshire is getting back on its feet and returning to work. However, the recovery may be proving more challenging for young people.
3,561 people in Scunthorpe were claiming unemployment benefits in May, the latest figures show.
This fell by 700 from the same time last year, a decrease of 17 per cent.
Across the whole of North Lincolnshire, there were 5,324 people accessing unemployment benefits in May.
This had fallen by a fifth from last year, with nearly 1,500 people either finding work or not claiming the support any more.
The recovery is above average for both the Yorkshire and Humber region and the country as a whole.
However, young people have been slower to leave the service. In May 2020, there were just under 850 people aged 18 to 24 claiming unemployment benefits through Universal Credit.
The latest figures are only 91 lower, which is an 11 per cent reduction. Across North Lincolnshire, young people are also struggling to catch up with the older group.
Experts have suggested that young people are struggling post-pandemic as they are more likely to work in hospitality or retail, which were hard hit by the crisis. They also lack the work experience which older workers have.
Anne Brewster, Employer and Partnership Manager for Scunthorpe Jobcentre Plus, said:
"there is demand locally for employees, and schemes were available to support young people into work"
“Locally in Scunthorpe we are seeing a huge demand for staff from local businesses which is welcome news for those seeking work. We are encouraging businesses and providers onto both the sites at Laneham Street and the new temporary Jobcentre in the Foundry to see customers face to face to give them the best and fastest way of securing paid employment,” she said.
“The Restart Scheme has now started and will give customers who have been claiming Universal Credit between 12 to 18 months enhanced support to find jobs. This along with the increase in work coaches and the job Entry Targeted Support Scheme (JETS) mean there is more support than ever.
“We continue to put on sector based work academies (SWAP) which give people skills for the current vacancies. In Scunthorpe we have recently put on SWAPS in security, where people receive the qualifications and SIA badge so they are then able to work in various security settings. We have had fantastic results from this with all finding work who took part.
“We have also put on some manufacturing SWAPS which give those engaging in the SWAP a guaranteed interview with a recruiting employer, so a foot in the door with updated qualifications to give them a better chance of securing the work.
“For those 18 – 24 we recently had the official opening of the Youth Hub. Kickstart is a fantastic offer and we are asking businesses in North Lincolnshire to take steps to apply for a Kickstart 16 – 24-year-old and support young people onto the employment ladder. The scheme is due to end in December so business shouldn’t delay in applying. Alternatively to find out more ring The Employer Team on 01724 274477.”