Department for Work and Pensions say 14,000 jobs near Bolton

This comes after figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions show that there are just over 10,000 Universal Credit claimants across Bolton.

The department says it has rolled out a range of measures to help people back into work.

DWP 50PLUS spokesperson and 50Plus champion, Victoria Boylan, said: “Our Work Coaches say the best part of their job is seeing someone succeed in their employment goals.

“Giving people extra time and tailored support so they get the extra help needed to overcome barriers can make a huge difference to a someone’s life.

The Department for Work and Pensions says it hopes to help more people back to work (Image: Newsquest) 

“As announced earlier this week, Universal Credit claimants will benefit from extra help from their work coach if they work less than 18 hours a week.”

The department’s figures show that a total of 10,855 people across all age groups in Bolton were claiming Universal Credit as of April 2024.

This was a rise of 515 people, coming to a 5.5 per cent increase compared to last year.

Broken down by age group, 1,800 people between the ages of 18 and 24 were claiming as of April this year, a rise of 20 people or one per cents.

Amongst people aged 50 and over, 2,325 were claiming Universal Credit in April this year, a rise of 40 people coming to a two per cent rise.

But job centre staff say that they hope a range of measures will help people like these back into work.

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Ms Boylan pointed to figures drawn from jobs website Indeed which showed thousands of roles that needed filling close to Bolton.

She said: “With over 14,000 job vacancies available within a 15-mile radius of Bolton, helping people achieve financial security through work as the economy grows, helps people build a better life for themselves. 

“Jobcentres are supporting businesses across many sectors including manufacturing, logistics and childcare fill their vacancies.

“An example of local activity was a recent recruitment event for 18 to 24-year-olds supported by local employers offering apprenticeships, training providers offering Skills Bootcamps and The National Careers Service were also in support.”