THE future is looking up for young job hunters in Inverclyde according to employment experts.

The number of 18 to 24-year-olds claiming jobseeker’s allowance and universal credit is down 13 per cent on last year, with 300 people on the register — 45 less than the year before.

The drop has also continued on a month to month basis, with 15 fewer people claiming in May than in April.

Jim Burns of Job Centre Plus, says young people are getting a step onto the career ladder thanks to local agencies working together.

He said: “It’s a really good picture in Inverclyde, the figures are continuing in the right direction.

“There is investment from all the different organisations, including the Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland, among others, in this particular age group and local companies are giving people apprenticeships.”

The outlook for people aged 24 and above is going in the right direction too, with a four per cent drop in the number of claimants.

This is in keeping with the national downward trend which saw unemployment fall by 11,000 between February to April, to stand at 160,000 according to the Office for National Statistics.

Mr Burns said: “Inverclyde has held its own in the reduction of people on the register compared to the rest of Scotland.”

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan, pictured, today welcomed the figures but says more can be done to improve them.

Mr McMillan said: “The latest figures show a fall in unemployment over the last quarter which is to be welcomed.

“However, as the employment rate has fallen we are clear we need to increase our efforts to improve the economy by investing in jobs and creating a competitive and supportive business environment.

“I’m pleased that youth unemployment has decreased over the last year.

“However, we are committed to getting more young people into work, which is why we will increase modern apprenticeships to 30,000 a year by 2020.

“We are working hard to support job creation, while our economic strategy includes promoting Scotland on the international stage to boost trade and inward investment.

“This has particular relevance to Inverclyde.

“This week I have proposed a parliamentary motion to highlight the important of Inverclyde as the marine tourism capital of Scotland, which is noticeable in particular by our importance as a global cruise liner destination and the upcoming P1 Powerboat event that will take place on the Esplanade this weekend.”