20 EMPLOYMENT Unemployment up after closures

Latest figures reflect job losses

Unemployment in East Kilbride has increased as closures of local firms take their toll.

The closure of local firms including windows company Trade Frames Direct Ltd and high street retailer BHS have resulted in a two per cent increase in claimants from July to August, the Department of work and pensions (DWP) have revealed.

However, the latest results make better reading annually, as they reported a near 37 per cent decrease in claimants annually.

The figures for EK were reflected across South Lanarkshire, which saw a 1.6 per cent increase in unemployment month-onmonth, and nationally there was a 1.1 per cent rise in claimants.

A spokeswoman for the DWP told the News that they were helping those who had recently become unemployed with a range of initiatives.

“Trade Frames Direct (TFD Ltd) has closed. PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) presentations have been carried out with all employees affected”, said the DWP representative.

“This is a highly skilled and experienced workforce who will have access to full employability support and guidance form dedicated work coaches

“We have been working closely with ex-employees of BHS and supported them through local jobs fairs.

“This week saw the very successful launch of Disability Confident by Dr Lisa Cameron which was supported by local employers, partners and DWP.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to challenge attitudes towards disability, increase understanding of disability and remove barriers to disabled people and those with long term health conditions in employment.

“At the event we heard very heart warming and inspiring feedback from local employers talking about their own experiences.”

The DWP spokeswoman also added that there had been no mention of job losses at the Dungavel Immigration Centre near Strathaven, which is not due to close until the end of 2017, moving to new premises in Glasgow.

The Avondale and Stonehouse constituency saw an 11 per cent decrease in claimants last month bucking the trend across South Lanarkshire.

MSP for East Kilbride Linda Fabiani felt that the annual figures were a better representation of employment in the area, adding: “As disappointing as it is that claimant figures have increased slightly between July and August, I am always wary of looking at figures in isolation. A better indicator would be to look at year-onyear figures as fluctuations can vary month-by-month.

“When comparing August data from last year to this year, there is a substantial decrease of almost 37 per cent in claimant figures.

“That, of course, is welcome news. However there are challenges ahead and it is too early to tell what impact the Brexit vote may have on our economy and the knock-on effect that will have on the labour market.

“The EU and the single market membership are important to local businesses, and they have been getting on with business in these uncertain times.”

We have been working closely with former employees of BHS and supported them through local jobs fairs