Peterborough is bucking the national trend for the number of people aged 50 plus who are claiming Universal Credit, according to new data.

Figures just released by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) show there was a nine per cent drop in the number of people aged 50 and above in Peterborough over the year claiming the employment-related benefit.

George Bateman, employer and partnership manager for the DWP, said: “Locally, Peterborough is seeing a slight downward trend in unemployment, with particularly encouraging progress among the 50 Plus age group.

"Here unemployment has dropped by nine per cent.

A focus on getting the over-50s into work in Peterborough has been successful, according to new figures

placeholder image — A focus on getting the over-50s into work in Peterborough has been successful, according to new figures

He said: “This is bucking the national trend and is encouraging to see.

Mr Bateman added: “This reflects the outstanding work of our Work Coaches across the city, who continue to support residents into sustainable employment.”

Peterborough Jobcentre is home to a dedicated team of staff who specialise in helping people aged 50 and above back into the workplace.

Mr Bateman said: “Our staff specialise in providing tailored provision and support for this age group.

"They listen to what our clients want and work to break down any barriers that might exist that stop people getting back into work.”

Across the age range 18 to 49-years-old, Mr Bateman said the number of claimants for Universal Credit had remained ‘stagnant’.

New vow to help jobless over-50s back into work

Figures for the UK show that unemployment rose to 5.0 per cent up 0.3 percentage points in the three months to September compared to the three months to June.

Action to tackle the number of out of work over-50s in Peterborough began early last year.

Then the Peterborough Jobcentre launched regular in-house 50 plus information sessions focusing on topics such as job seeking, interviewing, pension planning, budgeting, self-confidence, healthy living, menopause which might deter people from getting a job.

Job Fairs specifically for people aged 50 plus were also held.

The action came after figures in February last year revealed a 16 per cent increase in the number of over-50s claiming Universal Credit compared to the same time the previous year.