UNEMPLOYMENT went down my seven per cent in Fife last month.

Figures for December show there was a total of 7,450 people claiming Universal Credits in December, 530 less than the same period in 2022.

The number of claimants over 50 went down by 16 per cent while claimants aged between 18 and 24 went up by three per cent.

Janet McQueen, External Relations Leader for Fife Jobcentre, said opportunities were still available for those looking for work with initiatives in place to remove barriers preventing someone from employment.

"There are a lot of opportunities with partners across Fife," she said. "As the year kicks off, the focus is on helping employers grow their business by opening jobcentres for on-site recruitment.

"Also ramping up online and in person job fairs means every jobseeker has an opportunity to make progress. Success has recently been achieved with partnership support from Opportunities Fife Partnership.

“There remains plenty of vacancies across most sectors and jobcentre work coaches stand ready to support people, of whatever health condition or age, take the first steps back to work.

“For those on Universal Credit, more financial support is available, as people can keep more of what they earn, while parents can receive increased childcare payments.”

Janet said DWP advisers are on hand to work with employers to design a bespoke package to meet recruitment needs, including sector-based work academies. work experience and work trials.