Claimant Count and Furlough Scheme in Dagenham and Rainham

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Claimant Count and Furlough Scheme in Dagenham and Rainham

Up to 31st May 2020, 13,000 jobs had been furloughed through the Government's Job Retention Scheme in Dagenham and Rainham constituency, equivalent to around 19% of the population aged 16-64. 21% had been furloughed in the UK.

A further 7,300 claims were made to the Self Employment Income Support scheme, equivalent to 70% of the potentially eligible population. This compares to a take up rate of 70% of the potentially eligible population in the UK as a whole.

Claimant Count

The May 2020 figures for the unadjusted claimant count have been published today, which show the number of people who were claiming unemployment related benefits. This includes those who were claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, or were claiming Universal Credit and are required to seek work.

As part of the government's response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), a number of enhancements were introduced to Universal Credit. These may have increased the number of employed people eligible for Universal Credit through their earnings falling below income thresholds.

Consequently, while some of the increase in the 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.

The unadjusted count

      • - There were 6,360 actual claimants in Dagenham and Rainham constituency in May 2020, which was 9.1% of the population aged 16-64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 6.4%.
      • - This was 2,080 higher than April 2020 and 3,625 higher than March 2020, before the UK lockdown began.
      • - There were 1130 claimants aged 18-24 in May 2020, 390 higher than April 2020 and 655 higher than March 2020.

Jon Cruddas MP for Dagenham and Rainham said: "The furlough scheme has been a lifeline for thousands of residents across Dagenham and Rainham, but the system has not been without its flaws ? not least for those in the hospitality trade who rely on tronc payments and tips.

"As we ease out of lockdown and businesses start to reopen, we will see people making a staggered return to work. However, I know that will not be the case for everyone and despite the extension of the furlough scheme some will still fall through the gaps.

"In the coming weeks and months I will be working closely with both local authorities, the voluntary sector and others to make sure that people across Dagenham, Rainham, South Hornchurch and Elm Park can get back on their feet."