THE number of 18 to 24-year-olds claiming benefits in East Renfrewshire has more than halved since 2010.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that just 195 people made a claim last November compared to 415 six years previously – a 53 per cent reduction.

One of the men who claimed Job Seekers Allowance during this period was Scott McPhie from Barrhead.

The 23-year-old is one of many benefit claimants in the region who have managed to find work.

Having never worked before, Scott is now employed as a digital assistant with Young Enterprise Scotland (YES).

After sharing his experiences with Jobcentre work coach Allan Scott, the Jobcentre then helped to identify and partially fund the opportunity with YES, along with the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

Scott said: "As this is my first job, it has been really great. I am enjoying both the atmosphere and the work itself.

"From time to time I will be making short promotional videos for Yes Works to help get the word out there for people that can get the same opportunity as I have received from YES.

"I am very thankful for the support and help that I received from both Allan Scott and YES."