Analysis of Department for Work and Pensions figures by the JPIMedia Data Unit reveals the number of people claiming Universal Credit in England has risen by 118% in the past year – despite efforts to protect jobs through the government furlough scheme.
In January 2020, there were 2.4 million people claiming Universal Credit, but provisional figures for January 2021 show this had risen to 5.2 million.
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 by the pandemic.
Claimants in this age group were also most likely to be completely out of work or earning very little – those required to undertake an intensive search for work or a better paid job.
Here’s how different age groups across the country have been impacted by the Covid pandemic.
. LONDON - OCT 5: Exterior of a Jobcentre Plus as the Office for National Statistics announces unemployment of 2.53M of the population with 1.57M claiming welfare benefits on Oct 5, 2012 in London, UK.
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. Photo: Shutterstock
. 20 to 24
Those aged 20 to 24 have been the worst affected, with a 132% increase in claimants. Claimants rose from 296,714 to 687,732. Photo: Shutterstock
1. 20 to 24
Those aged 20 to 24 have been the worst affected, with a 132% increase in claimants. Claimants rose from 296,714 to 687,732. Photo: Shutterstock
2. 40 to 44
People aged 40 to 44 were second hardest hit. The number of claimants rose from 244,807 to 548,870 an increase of 124%. Photo: Shutterstock
3. 50 to 54
Third worst affected was people aged 50 to 54, with an increase of 123%, from 187,072 to 417,139. Photo: Shutterstock
4. 55 to 59
Next it was those in the 55 to 59. Claims among this group rose by 118%, from 153,852 to 334,975. Photo: Shutterstock