UNEMPLOYMENT went down by three per cent in Fife last month.

Figures for November have revealed there were a total of 7,590 people claiming Universal Credits in November, 225 less than the same period in 2022.

The number of claimants over 50 went down by nine per cent while claimants aged between 18 and 24 went up by seven per cent.

Sue Jeffrey, External Relations Leader for Jobcentre Plus in Fife, was pleased to see another decline in claimants.

"I am really pleased with the 50-plus figures," she said. "It has been one of the key priorities this year, there has been a lot of work gone into it.

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"The youth are still up a bit overall, It is coming down slowly and surely . We are working to encourage people to use what is there, for example the youth hub that we have got.

"This time of year is a bit quieter but there are still lots of vacancies out there. In Dunfermline, you still have retail and hospitality vacancies, a lot of care jobs."

Reflecting on a successful 2023, Sue said it had been a "busy, positive year" for the jobcentres in Fife.

“Jobcentre work coaches are playing a crucial role supporting job seekers to recognise and develop their key skills and identifying barriers to start or progress into work," she said.

"One of our 2023 key priorities has been supporting our 50-plus customers. Throughout the year, we have facilitated several Jobs Fairs across Scotland in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Fife as well as virtually.

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"These have been supported by a wide range of employers and hundreds of customers, many of whom were interviewed on the day and offered employment. We have delivered Digital Courses in Dunfermline, upskilling customers in digital job search and applications, helping many into work.

“DWP have delivered 13 50+ Midlife MOT sessions across Fife jobcentres, where customers were provided with information regarding pensions, future planning, health and well-being, work, skills, and training.

"Feedback from customers has been fantastic with many advising the sessions were thought provoking, especially around future planning, with some supported to successfully track missing pensions.

“Looking forward to 2024, we are working to arrange DWP funded training to support 30 customers back into work in the warehouse, retail and hospitality sectors."