The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in the North-east stands at nearly double those claiming last year.

Thousands more have been pushed out of work, mainly due to the oil price crash, in the last 12 months.

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Job Centre manager Roz Clunie said there were 2,385 more people claiming out of work benefits now compared to last year.

She said: “The number of claimants is still increasing.

“Although there have been some months where the increase year-on-year has not been quite as high, the figures are still remarkably high.

“There is no doubt the oil and gas decline is still having a big impact.”

The Aberdeenshire claimant count is currently 2,505, which is up 1,210 on last year – a 93% increase.

In Aberdeen the claimant count is 3,380, which is up 53% or 1,175 people.

Ms Clunie said work is continuing with Scottish Government body Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (Pace) to help those who have been made redundant find new work.

Ms Clunie also said there was a focus on young people, as the number of 18-24 year olds on Jobseeker’s Allowance has increased 94% in Aberdeenshire and 39% in Aberdeen within the last year.

She said: “We’ve got quite a few activities to get people work experience and we’re giving out grants for retraining.

“We’ve got a new employer, Farmhouse Inns at Dyce Farm, who are looking for 80 to 100 new staff right now.

“They’ve already started to recruit chefs and managers.”