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.
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For those aged 60 to 65, there was a rise of 152%, from 232 claimants in January 2020 to 584 in January 2021.
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For those aged 16 to 19, there was a rise of 137% from 150 claimants in January 2020 to 355 in January 2021. Universal Credit is normally only available to those aged 18 or over, but 16 and 17 year olds can apply in some circumstances.