The number of unemployed claimants in Dagenham and Rainham constituency in July 2021 was 6,025. This represents a rate of 8.6% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 5.4%.
There are 40 more claimants than in June 2021 and there are 3,290 more claimants than in March 2020 before the UK lockdown began. Note the majority of this increase happed in March-May 2020 at the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
There were 995 claimants aged 18-24 in July 2021, 65 lower than June 2021 and 520 higher than March 2020.
As part of the government's response to coronavirus (COVID-19), a number of enhancements were introduced to Universal Credit. These may have increased the number of employed people who are eligible for unemployment-related benefits.
Whilst 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.
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 claimant count never gives a truly accurate picture of unemployment, but it is clear there is a fallout from the pandemic. In the coming months I will be working with the local authority and cross sector organisations to ensure my constituents have the support they need to get back on their feet. We are on the cusp of huge investment into the area with work starting on the film studios at Dagenham East by the end of this year, and London's three historic markets being up and running by 2027 at Dagenham Dock. These projects will bring thousands of skilled local jobs, training, and education opportunities for local people."