The number of unemployed claimants in Dagenham and Rainham constituency in June 2020 was 6,215. This represents a rate of 8.9% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 6.3%.
There are 3,480 more claimants than in March 2020 before the UK lockdown began, but 105 less than in May 2020.
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 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.
Job Retention and Self Employment Income Support Schemes
Up to 30th June 2020, 15,500 jobs have been furloughed through the Government's Job Retention Scheme in Dagenham and Rainham which was 30% of eligible jobs. 31% have been furloughed in the UK.
8,200 claims were made to the Self Employment Income Support scheme, equivalent to 79% of the potentially eligible population. This compares to a take up rate of 75% of the potentially eligible population in the UK as a whole.
Jon Cruddas MP commented: "these numbers make it all too clear that the government must invest in jobs, jobs, jobs as normality begins to resume. Across hospitality in particular there will be many of the furloughed staff that find themselves without a job to return to as businesses adjust for social distancing. I have worked with Labour colleagues to ensure that the right mechanisms are in place to support local people across Dagenham and Rainham as they return to work or seek to retrain."