UniversalCreditclaimant numbersontherisehere

There are now over 16,000 people in South Lanarkshire claiming Universal Credit.

That’s according to new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures that show there are 235,000 claiming UC across Scotland.

And new data, released this week, shows 2.7 million people across Britain are receiving the support – an increase of five per cent from the previous month.

Minister for welfare delivery Will Quince said:“UC is a force for good and provides a vital safety net for people who are out of work or on low wages.

“Significant improvements have been made in the past year, such as providing extra support for families reporting childcare costs reducing deductions, and we will continue to work towards improving the service.

“This Government believes that finding work is the best route towards prosperity and under Universal Credit more people are better off by moving into work faster and staying there for longer.”

These figures are released after the Uk employment rate raised to a new record high of 76.2 per cent.

The data also says that unemployment levels remain at a low rate of 3.8 per cent.

Margarita Morrison, DWP Area Director for Scotland said:“Unlike the old system, Universal Credit is a flexible benefit that can be tailored to an individual’s needs and circumstances.

“It is helping to transform lives right across Scotland ensuring people have more control over their working lives and finances.”

As Universal Credit is available in all UK jobcentres the number of people claiming the benefit will continue to rise naturally.

However, this does not necessarily mean an increase in unemployment for the area.

For more information about Universal Credit, you can visit www. understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk.