The total number of unemployed claimants in Dagenham and Rainham constituency in November 2018 was 1,995.This represents a rate of 3.6% of the economically active population aged 16-64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 3.0%.
The number of claimants in Dagenham and Rainham constituency is 435 higher than November 2017 and 65 higher than October 2018. There were 375 claimants aged 18-24 in November 2018, 55 higher than November 2017.
Figures are not seasonally adjusted and are rounded to the nearest five. 'Unemployed claimants' include people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance or who are claiming Universal Credit and are required to seek work.
The roll out of Universal Credit is currently affecting the claimant count. Changes in claimant numbers may be a result of the roll out rather than changes in economic conditions.
Under Universal Credit, a broader span of claimants are required to look for work than under Jobseeker's Allowance. This has the effect of increasing the number of unemployed claimants. The effect is most visible in areas operating Universal Credit "Full Service" (where roll out of Universal Credit is more advanced). All jobcentre areas are expected to have moved to Full Service by the end of 2018.
From next month, the DWP is intending to publish an ?alternative' claimant count series which will adjust for this effect. The new series will model what the count would have been if Universal Credit had been in place since 2013 ? so it will also include those people who may not have been claiming at the time, but who would have been required to look for work had Universal Credit been in place.
In light of this news, there is major investment planned throughout the constituency over the next few years. There are number of projects planned including London's largest data centre, London's largest film studio, a housing development, and the opening of crossrail will also attract investment to the Chadwell Heath area.
The council has given the green light for £1.5 billion data centre in Dagenham as there are plans to transform Dagenham East into a digital and media center of London. This new Data Centre is located close to the site of London's newest film studio at Dagenham East. This increase in industry means more jobs throughout the constituency, including construction workers and carpenters to set designers and film and TV producers.
The plans for a housing development has also been given the green light which includes a £1bn investment to build 3,000 new homes. Beam Park is part of the London Riverside Opportunity Area, which has targeted the creation of 26,500 homes and 16,500 jobs across the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham and Havering. This not only increases housing throughout the constituency but also it increases the number of jobs available.