Rise in area’s employment

More people are in work across Monklands than during this time last year.

The Airdrie & Shotts ward made 2922 alternative claimant count (ACC) claims in August of this year – a 1238 decrease on 12 months earlier.

There were 2866 claims put in by the Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill area, which was 1502 less than in August 2020.

Meanwhile, Universal Credit claims in North Lanarkshire dipped slightly last month compared with August; with 20 less people putting in claims.

A Jobseekers spokesperson said: “In North Lanarkshire we are working with employers and have large numbers of vacancies currently or in the pipeline for call centre agents, warehouse and logistics operatives and care sector.

“The Kickstart Scheme is creating vital jobs to help young people get on track and we’re providing local support to employers of all sizes, in both rural and urban areas, to help them apply and recruit – and more than 40,000 young people have already started Kickstart jobs.

“We’re also working with Ukhospitality to better promote jobs in the sector via our network of Jobcentres.

“Our focus now is on our multibillion pound Plan for Jobs, which will support people in the long-term by helping them learn new skills and increase their hours or find new work.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack added: “The UK Government’s priority is getting people back into work – so it is pleasing to see the latest employment figures once again show positive signs of recovery for Scotland with more people returning to employment.

“Our Plan for Jobs is helping people secure well-paid, skilled employment as we build back better from the pandemic, and we will continue to do all we can to see our economy flourish again.”