The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the UK economy, with unemployment rising to a five-year high in the three months to December.
Analysis of Department for Work and Pensions figures by the JPIMedia Data Unit reveals the number of people claiming Universal Credit in Dacorum has risen by 176% in the past year – despite efforts to protect jobs through the government furlough scheme.
In January 2020, there were 3,871 people claiming, but provisional figures for January 2021 show that had risen to 10,691.
The Universal Credit benefit is available to low earners as well as those out of work, so some people on furlough could be receiving wage top-ups.
Across England, those aged 20 to 24 have been the worst affected, with a rise of 132%. People in this age group were also most likely to be completely out of work or earning very little.
In East of England, the largest rise was also among 20-24. Those aged over 65 have been excluded from the analysis.
Here’s how different age groups in Dacorum have been impacted.
1.
Those aged 50-54 have been the worst affected, with a 205% increase in claimants, from 263 in January 2020 to 802 in January 2021.
2.
For those aged 20 to 24, there was a rise of 200%, from 455 claimants in January 2020 to 1367 in January 2021.
3.
For those aged 35 to 39, there was a rise of 195%, from 507 claimants in January 2020 to 1494 in January 2021.
4.
For those aged 55 to 59, there was a rise of 186%, from 227 claimants in January 2020 to 649 in January 2021.