THE NUMBER of Silhillians claiming Universal Credit has rise by 15 per cent in the past year.
Figures released by Team at National Statistics show there are 4,730 claimant across the borough and that figure has increased by 630 since July 2023.
This comes as Solihull and Birmingham Job Centres say its teams are helping employers fill their vacancies and supporting claimants to take part in programmes and sessions to help boost their chances of securing a job.
Natalie Cartmell, partnership manager for Birmingham and Solihull, said: ”Providing individual tailored support to jobseekers is a spring board to financial independence, and a route to building a better life for themselves and their family.
“Turning this aim into a reality is the role of every locally based jobcentre work coach. Underpinning this our employer partnership teams who continue to work with businesses to fill their vacancies, which in turn contributes to growing the economy.
“Locally activity includes support for jobseekers such as bespoke sessions for our young people, 50+ and claimants on the health journey.
“We are also holding regular jobs fairs and work academies/ boot camps including direct employment with local employers.
“Importantly parents on Universal Credit can receive help with childcare payments. Jobseekers can search our DWP ‘FindaJob’ website, to check out the thousands of jobs on offer.”
Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP, said: “This is yet more evidence of the dire inheritance we face, with millions of people denied the support they need to get work and get on at work, harming their opportunities and holding back growth.
“This government will deliver the change the country is crying out for by making work pay, transforming skills, overhauling jobcentres and giving local areas the power they need to drive jobs and growth.”
