UNEMPLOYMENT in Fife went down by six per cent in February according to the latest figures published by the DWP.

A total of 7,560 in the Kingdom are now claiming Universal Credit, 510 less than the same period last year.

Janet McQueen, DWP External Relations Leader for Fife, said the decrease comes as their 2024 focus on supporting customers into work continues.

"Across Fife Jobcentres, Work Coaches provide every jobseeker with tailored support, helping to build confidence and develop new skills by listening to our customers and working with them to get the right support to address barriers preventing them from securing employment," she explained.

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"We are helping more long term out of work customers into work.

“This week’s employment statistics highlight the great work being done by Work Coaches across Fife with a year-on-year reduction of six per cent, 510 more in work.

"A particular success is the 50-plus age group, where more than 255 people in Fife have returned to work, 50 of those being from Dunfermline and West Fife, 75 from Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, 80 Glenrothes and 50 from North East Fife constituencies."

Around 30 local employers are due to be in attendance at a recruitment event which will take place at Dunfermline's Glen Pavilion on Wednesday, March 20 while other events will also be taking place across Fife.

“We are keen to work with even more employers who are recruiting or have upcoming vacancies," added Janet.

"We can help employers fill their vacancies by offering interview facilities in our offices, collect and sift CVs to help them find the ideal candidate, offer work trials, promote their vacancies on X.

"For upcoming vacancies where some certified training is required, we can get customers upskilled if sufficient time permits.”