UNEMPLOYMENT figures across South Ayrshire have dropped since last year according to a new study released by the Scotland Office.

From October 2014 - 2015 the total number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) in Ayr has been reduced by 15 per cent.

Lynn Hammell, Operations Manager at the Department for Work and Payments, said: “It's good news story for South Ayrshire compared to the rest of Scotland where unemployment figures seem to be going up.”

Figures for Ayr have gone down from 2074 to 1756, the lowest it has been since November 2007. Youth unemployment has also decreased.

The number of 18-24 year olds claiming JSA for less that six months is now 360 opposed to 480 last year, the lowest since May 1999.

Those in the same age range who claim JSA for over six months is currently 70, reduced from 135, the lowest since December 2008.

It's another good news story for Girvan with the total number of people attending a Jobcentre reaching 106 opposed to 169, the lowest since June 2008.

There are only 30 claiments between 18 to 24 on JSA for less than six months down from 45 the previous year.

There are just five 18-24 year olds who spend longer than six months on JSA down from 10 people in the last 12 months.

Jobseekers Allowance is an unemployment benefit that is designed to to support the needs of their claiments.

They aim to help those who need it build confidence, write CVs and look for work through a variety of platforms including online, social media as well as newspapers.

Lynn Hammell added: “You have got to have the right attitude to find work. JSA make sure that people have got access to facilities that they need to search for work including a free wifi.

“Work coaches strive to ensure that the unemployed have a pacier journey into recruitment and are available to help with recruitment agencies and prefered methods of applications.

Last month Universal Credit, a new benefit to help people be better off in work took off in work, start a new job or work more hours launched.

It will eventually replace the six existing benefits: Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Tax, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Beneift with one monthly payment.

Payments are adjusted based on earnings and claimants have the flexibility take on more hours without worrying about benefits.

Under Universal Credit, there is no limit on the number of hours you can work as it is a person's earnings that determine the benefit awarded rather than the hours they work.

Universal Credit is being introduced in stages as part of a test and learn strategy.