Unemployment shows a drop

Jobless figures in the Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock constituency are showing a steady decline.

And Bill Grant MP is pleased to see an ever- growing number of people with a regular pay packet.

Bill said: “I prefer not to think of statistics, but to focus on families who are now looking forward to a better future, with the dignity and self- esteem that work brings.

“The bottom line is that fewer people are reliant on out- of- work benefits.”

The total number of unemployed claimants in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock in October 2017 was 1,590.

That is 125 lower than October 2016, and 35 lower than September 2017.

There were 370 claimants aged 18- 24 in October 2017 - 75 lower than October 2016.

The 1,590 unemployed claimants represent 3.8 per cent of the economically active population aged 16 to 64. The equivalent UK claimant rate is 2.5 per cent.

But the UK unemployment rate, which includes people not claiming benefits and is estimated from survey data, was 4.3 per cent between July and September 2017. The Scottish figure is 4 per cent.

Bill Grant said: “Any of my constituents who live in South Ayrshire and who believe they are not getting benefits to which they are entitled should contact the advice hub in Ayr’s Mainholm Road, tel 0300 123 0900.