MORE young people are claiming Universal Credit in the year from July 2022 despite an overall drop in unemployment across Shropshire.

In figures released by the Department for Work and Pension (DWP) this week, it showed that 60 more people aged between 18 and 24 had registered as being out of work – a nine per cent increase.

However, in the same period, there was a reduction of one per cent – 30 people – across all ages of those registered unemployed.

And in those aged 50 plus, there was a cut of 180 people no longer claiming Universal Credit, a reduction of 13 per cent with 4,3495 people overall out of work.

Louise Johnson, partnership manager at Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, said: “The claimant count figures released on Tuesday show a year-on-year reduction in those who are claiming Unemployment benefits and looking for work, in both Shropshire and Telford boroughs.

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“As of July 2023, Shropshire saw a reduction of 30 people on the claimant count when compared to the previous year.

“Unlocking the skills and abilities of jobseekers, improves their employment prospects, and helps achieve the Government’s priority to grow the economy.

“Key to this is the individual specialist support from our team of work coaches, who ensures that everyone gets the help they need, whether they are leaving education, are 50 Plus, or have a health condition.

“This crucial support enables jobseekers to develop their full potential.

“Unlocking the skills and abilities of jobseekers, improves their employment prospects, and helps achieve the Government’s priority to grow the economy.

“Key to this is the individual specialist support from our team of work coaches, who ensures that everyone gets the help they need, whether they are leaving education, are 50 Plus, or have a health condition.

“This crucial support enables jobseekers to develop their full potential.”