Positive picture as joblessness falls

THERE has been an eight per cent fall over the past year in the number of 18 to 24-year-olds claiming Universal Credit or Jobseeker’s Allowance. The jobless total has dropped by 105 to 1,245.

Ian Mitchell, district employer and partnership manager for JobCentre Plus, said: “It is a positive picture for Oldham this month and follows what is happening nationally.

“The reduction in claimants has slowed compared to previous months as the Christmas period begins and the majority of the seasonal work positions are already filled.

“We are expecting to see a slight rise in the number of claimants in January as the seasonal work comes to an end.”