UNEMPLOYED CLAIMANT COUNT JANUARY 2022

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UNEMPLOYED CLAIMANT COUNT JANUARY 2022

The number of unemployed claimants in Dagenham and Rainham constituency in January 2022 was 4660. This represents a rate of 6.6% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 4.3%

There are 15 less claimants than in December 2021 and there are 1925 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 650 claimants aged 18-24 in January 2022, 20 lower than December 2021 and 175 higher than March 2020. This represents a rate of 7.0% of the population aged 18-24. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 5.0%.

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.

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.

The impact of the Universal Credit Cut

The latest Government imposed cut to Universal Credit will hit nearly six million people. More than a third (38%) of those who’ll see their income hit are already in employment, whilst one in six (16%) are under 25.

13, 710 household on Universal Credit will lose £1000 a year, whilst 10, 802 children living in households on Universal Credit will be pushed into poverty.