Riseinjoblesstotal a worry, says MP

The jobless total in the Stirling area is on the up, according to figures published this week.

The latest data shows a small increase in those claiming unemployment benefit from May to June.

The statistics are against a backdrop of lower unemployment both across the UK and Scotland, and have been described as concerning by Stirling’s MP.

The monthly labour market statistics show that there were 955 people out of work and claiming benefit in Stirling area last month, compared with 940 in May.

The latest figure represents an increase of 35 on the total 12 months ago and is well up on the 850 recorded two years ago.

The rate of unemployment – 1.6 per cent – is still lower than the Scottish rate of 2.6 per cent. However, figures in Stirling are rising compared to a national decrease.

Stirling MP Stephen Kerr said: “The jobless figures represent a small change from last month and are higher than they were at this time last year.

“It is difficult to say if there is any reason for this at this stage, but the fact that it is out of kilter with the national picture is worrying.

“We should be concerned that the benefit claimant count is up, but we should also be concerned that the number of economically inactive people is higher than it was too.”

The Job Centre in Stirling has been helping claimants with the transfer to Universal Credit – where several benefits are now received as one monthly payment – and has held ‘speed dating’ events matching people with employers such as Amazon and Stirling Voluntary Enterprise.