Unemployment has fallen across ages ranges and areas in Bolton according to the most recent figures.

The findings from the Department for Work and Pensions show that nearly 1,000 fewer people were claiming for Universal Credit in Bolton as of January this year compared to the year before.

This comes shortly after the launch of the DWP’s ‘mid-life MOT’ session, which has been launched alongside normal job centre activities in Bolton and aim to help claimants in somewhat older age groups.

Greater Manchester 50Plus champion Victoria Boylan said: “There is vast amount of support that is not always known about so if I can share information and point people in the right direction then I hope more people can move into meaningful jobs.

The Bolton News: The number of people claiming for Universal Credit in Bolton has fallenThe number of people claiming for Universal Credit in Bolton has fallen (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“The advantage of having a multigenerational workforce is that it can lead to increased creativity and innovation.

“That is because employees of different ages tend to have different perspectives on things like work processes, product development, customer service, etc.

“There is a clear correlation between diverse and multi-generational businesses and higher productivity, better performance, higher retention rates and customer satisfaction.”

The figures for Bolton show that there 190 fewer people in the 50 and over age bracket were claiming for Universal Credit in the borough in 2023 compared to the year before.

Across all age groups a total of 930 fewer people in Bolton were claiming compared to the previous year leaving 9,965 people claiming the benefit.

Across the North West as a whole, the number of people unemployed currently stands at 135,000, which the DMP says is down 30,000 on the year before and down 23,000 compared to December to February 2020.

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Minister for Employment Guy Opperman MP said: “It’s encouraging to see that more people are moving into work, as we know that being in employment is the best way to deliver financial security, skills and confidence. 

“We’ve also made huge progress for everyone looking to boost their earnings or land a new role, with the employment rate increasing and more people joining payrolls. 

“Growing the economy is one of our top five priorities which will deliver more high quality jobs, boosting everyone’s prospects and prosperity.”