Laura Sharman 21 April 2020

Figures show 400% monthly increase in benefit claims

New claims for Universal Credit have increased by at least 400% in the past two months, new figures have revealed.

Analysis by the Institute of Employment Studies shows 1.4 million people made a claim for Universal Credit in March, compared to the average monthly figure of 235,000 the previous year.

The Institute said the figures show that action on jobs is needed now. It is calling for a ‘Cobra on Jobs’ to bring together government, employers and civil society.

Tony Wilson, director of the Institute for Employment Studies, said: ‘Today’s figures show beyond any doubt the scale of the economic shock that we’ve experienced over the last month. These increases dwarf anything that we have seen in at least the last forty years and likely in a lifetime.

’Clearly, this doesn’t mean that we should end the lockdown. But it does mean that we need action on jobs now – so that we can help those out of work to find those jobs that still exist in the economy, and to keep people close to work so that they can get back into work as quickly as possible as the lockdown eases.’

Photo: Michaelasbest / Shutterstock.com

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term Time

Essex County Council
£25821.00 - £30377.00 per annum + + Pension
Makaton Tutor - Part Time / Term TimePermanent, Part Time£30,377 per annum, full time equivalent / equal to £15.74 per hour.Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Urban Design Intern

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Assistant Urban Design InternFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - Safeguarding Team

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Wellbeing and Independence Practitioner - ASC Centralised Safeguarding TeamFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Strategy Manager (Revenue)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we invest in our borough's future.Bring clarity to complex decisions and help shape how we inves England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Manager - Locality

Wakefield Council
£55,979.00, Grade 13
Wakefield Children’s Services have been rated by Ofsted as GOOD with outstanding leadership. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner