The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Ceredigion rose by four per cent in the last year to May, figures have revealed.

Data produced by the Department of Work and Pensions in Ceredigion show that 925 people were claiming out-of-work benefits in May this year, up 36 on the same time last year.

Five-year figures show, however, that out-of-work claimants have fallen by nearly a quarter since 2014.

Unemployment benefit claimants amongst the 18 to 24-year-old age bracket have remained stable over the past 12 months, with a 34 per cent decline since 2014, data also shows.

In Ceredigion, the job centres in the county have held a series of back-to-work schemes.

The national Mentoring Circles scheme, where employers are encouraged to provide mentoring and job-seeking advice to 16 to 24-year-olds in order to introduce them to, or update them within, the world of work, was delivered in Ceredigion via Haven/Quay West to deliver these, with sessions taking place in Aberystwyth, Cardigan and New Quay.

Shân Gwyn, the work coach team leader at Cardigan Jobcentre, said: “These were expertly delivered by the employer and were well received by the customers involved.

“Content included an overview of life at Haven, the roles available within the company, advice on online job applications, interview questioning and techniques, and the language and behaviours expected in the workplace.”

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