Unemployed Claimant Count February 2021

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Unemployed Claimant Count February 2021

The number of unemployed claimants in Dagenham and Rainham constituency in February 2021 was 6,860. This represents a rate of 9.8% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 6.5%.

There are 4170 more claimants than in February 2020 before the UK lockdown began and 490 more claimants than January 2021.

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.

Long term trends

The unadjusted claimant count is currently not a good indicator of long- term trends in the number of people looking for work. It does however provide us with a measure of how the number of claimants has changed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The adjusted alternative claimant count is updated on a quarterly basis.

The ongoing impact of coronavirus on Universal Credit

Under Universal Credit, a broader spectrum of people are required to look for work than under Jobseeker's Allowance. This has the effect of increasing the number of unemployed claimants. In addition to this, as part of the government's response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), a number of enhancements were introduced to Universal Credit. Consequently, whilst some of the increase in the unemployed claimant count will be due to people who have become unemployed, some will also be due to employed people who have become eligible for Universal Credit as part of the government response to Coronavirus.

Jon Cruddas MP: "The pandemic is still ongoing, pulling more and more individuals into financial hardship. The Government must address these figures and the high levels of constituents on Furlough. Although the Furlough scheme has been a lifeline for many residents across Dagenham and Rainham, it has not been without its flaws. It is vital that a plan is in place for when the Furlough scheme comes to an end. I will continue lobbying from the opposition benches to ensure that my constituents get the support they need."