Towns’ job stats identical

More are in work

Unemployment figures in Monklands have fallen compared with the same time last year – with figures for Airdrie and Coatbridge sitting identical.

A total of 1545 residents of Airdrie & Shotts claimed Jobseekers’ Allowance in January – down 40 on 2017’s statistics and a 56 per cent drop on figures released in 2010.

The Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill ward also saw 1545 unemployed residents; this was a drop of 10 from 2017 and 54 per cent fewer out of work people than back in 2010.

The labour market figures also revealed the number of jobseekers across North Lanarkshire last month was 5900 – a 52 per cent decrease on 2010’s statistics.

The Office for National Statistics has confirmed that employment rate in Britain is at a near-record high of 75.2 per cent.

Minister for Employment, Alok Sharma, said: “High employment rates are a reliable feature of today’s economy – and this is an incredible achievement.

“It is equally important that, across society, everyone has the opportunity to secure a good job for themselves and get on in life.”

Separate figures released showed that 730,000 people across the UK are now on Universal Credit; of those, 40 per cent are in employment (290,000).

A Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP) spokesman said: “We are rolling out Universal Credit in a gradual, safe and secure way and, in the rare cases where issues arise, we work closely with local authorities to support people when they need it.”