The number of Fifers claiming jobseeker’s allowance is at a seven-year low.
Latest figures released show there are now 6,414 people claiming JSA in Fife, 2.7% of the working age population and 2,673 fewer than last September.
Councillor Tony Martin, pictured, chairman of Opportunities Fife and Fife Council’s youth ambassador, said the local authority had seen month-on-month reductions in JSA claimants over the summer.
But, he added, it was very encouraging to see a larger reduction of 957 claimants between August and September and a greater drop in claimants since September last year.
More specifically, he was pleased to see a reduction of 825 young JSA claimants over the past year and hoped to see this trend continue with the extension of the Fife Youth Jobs Contract and announcement by the council of a further £2 million to help people find their way into work.
Depute leader and economy spokeswoman Lesley Laird added: “This is another good performance for Fife.
“I am particularly glad to see the gap between Fife and Scotland closing again this month.”
Fife’s claimant rate is now just 0.2% above the Scottish average, compared to 1.2% this time last year.
“We clearly still have more work to do in order to come into line with the national average,” she added.
“It is important that we maintain our focus and positive partnership with business, education, and Fife College so that by working together we can continue to see a downward trend in JSA claimant figures as we see more Fifers get back to work.”