THE NUMBER of Silhillians over 50 claiming Universal Credit has fallen by 11 per cent in the past year.
Solihull Job Centre said its team has been supporting claimants with a range of activities including the Mid Life MOTs and webinars on the benefits of work before retirement and securing your financial future.
Hannah Keeler partnership manager for Birmingham and Solihull said: “Unlocking the skills and abilities of jobseekers, improves their employment prospects, and helps achieve the Government’s priority to grow the economy.
“Key to this is the individual specialist support from our team of work coaches, who ensures that everyone gets the help they need, whether they are leaving education, are 50 Plus, or have a health condition.
“This crucial support enables jobseekers to develop their full potential.
“Identifying barriers to starting and progressing in world of work is a key aspect of the work coach role, so that people can make the most of the help available. Importantly job seeking parents on Universal Credit, can now get extra financial help through increased childcare payments.
“Locally we are working hard with to support employers fill their vacancies, and supporting jobseekers find work.”
Solihull Job Centre said it has been working with local employers to support with ongoing festive recruitment with both permanent and temporary contracts at Jobs Fair events at the Solihull and Chelmsley Wood sites.
Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP said: “This Government’s record on employment is clear; there are one million fewer workless households than in 2010 and the number of people on company payrolls is a near record high.
“But we are not complacent about the challenges we face, which is why we remain focused on removing barriers to help people find and succeed in work.
“Our £3.5billion package to deliver more tailored job support combined with our expanded childcare offer will help unlock individuals’ potential and grow the economy.”
