By Unemployment benefit claims rise in Doncaster
The number of people claiming unemployment benefits has risen in Doncaster, according to new data by the Office for National Statistics.
Figures are now significantly above pre-pandemic levels.
Data collated by the Office for National Statistics shows that as of early March, 7,700 people were claiming unemployment benefits in Doncaster.
Figures have almost doubled, with data from July showing that this has risen to 14,545 people.
Numbers of claimants are now are up from 4% to 7.6% of the working-age population.
This includes those ages between 16 and 64, who are on Jobseekers Allowance, as well as the proportion of Universal Credit claimants who are unemployed or on a low income.
The Office for National Statistics has stated, however, that these figures will be affected by the changes which have been made to Universal Credit in response to the pandemic.
This means that data may not directly correlate with unemployment figures, as many more people are now eligible for benefits while still being employed.
Rebecca McDonald, senior economist at anti-poverty charity Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said that many may be facing “grinding pressure and uncertainty about how to pay their rent, put food on the table or find a new job”.
She continued:
“The latest figures cover a period when the full furlough scheme was still in place and millions were protected from the full force of the economic storm.
“As furlough is wound down, the Government must live up to its commitment to do whatever it takes to support employers, create new good jobs and equip jobseekers with the skills they need to access these opportunities.”
In a recent press update, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said:
“We can’t protect every job, but through our Plan For Jobs we have a clear plan to protect, support and create jobs to ensure nobody is left without hope.”
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