THE number of North Shropshire residents claiming Universal Credit decreased by nearly 20 per cent compared to this time last year, figures show.
Figures from the Jobcentre Plus show that as of last month, there were 2,637 people claiming UC.
This is 570 people fewer than last year, a decrease of 18 per cent.
Although this figure is 77 per cent higher than five years ago, when there were 1,150 claimants.
In Whitchurch, the Jobcentre has been working with local firms to create jobs.
The company has been working with several employers who have cleaning vacancies and a number of construction sector vacancies have also became available around Whitchurch and the Jobcentre say it has been busy promoting these.
Nick Woolley, the Department for Work and Pension’s partnership manager for Shropshire said local employers would continue to be supported.
“Shropshire Jobcentre work coaches are doing excellent work and are busier than ever – supporting our local jobseekers into work as well as assisting them to claim benefits
"We are doing some magnificent work with employers too.
"All our local jobcentres are fully open to the public and the team welcome the opportunity to support local employers to showcase their vacancies within our office settings."
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