THE number of people out of work in Fife dropped by 17 per cent in February compared to the same period last year.

There are currently 8,150 people claiming Universal Credit, 1,635 less than the same period in 2022.

Fiona Wilson, Employer Manager for Fife, welcomed the figures and said there were jobs available across all sectors.

“Across our jobcentres, work coaches provide every jobseeker with tailored support, helping to build confidence and develop new skills," she said. "The focus as we move into Spring being to reach out to everyone looking to re-join the jobs market, no matter whether they’re single parents, young people, 50-plus or have a health condition.

“Increasing the labour force is key activity in order to help businesses fill their vacancies.

"Locally we’ve been working with Fife Council, B&M and Capability Scotland. To support this we are holding regular Jobs Fairs and Sector-based Work Academy Programmes Meanwhile jobseekers can find their ideal job by searching our DWP ‘Find a Job’ website, which has thousands of jobs on offer."

A jobs fair will take place on Wednesday (March 22) from 10.30am until 1pm at the Mercat Shopping Centre in Kirkcaldy where 16 employers will be in attendance.

Local jobs currently being advertised include customer service advisor posts for Lloyds Banking Group in Dunfermline and roles with Abbotsford Care.