Claims fall after Universal Credit

Fewer people are now claiming unemployment benefits in Sunderland than before the roll-out of Universal Credit, new figures reveal.

Department for Work and Pensions statistics show 9,017 people in Sunderland claimed out-of-work benefits in August.

This was up 9% from last year, but still 13% fewer than in 2014, the earliest available data after the introduction of Universal Credit.

Across the North East, there were 76,083 claimants in August – representing a 16% fall over the five-year period.

In Great Britain, the number of claimants has fallen, with anti-poverty charity Turn2us warning that the switchover masks a "failing" benefits system.

David Samson, welfare benefit specialist at Turn2us, said: "If people aren't claiming out-of-work benefits because they are receiving high pay in meaningful work, then that is fantastic.

"But if the claimant count is low because the DWP has created a hostile, complex or intimidating environment, then that is troubling.

"From what people with lived experience are telling us, the roll-out of Universal Credit is linked to rising rent arrears, increasing debt and soaring foodbank use. This is damning for the Government.

"There are a number of things the DWP can immediately do to rectify this situation, such as end the benefits freeze, scrap the five-week wait for Universal Credit and adequately fund our welfare system so people can thrive."

The latest figures model employment trends since 2013. They cover people claiming the old-style Jobseeker’s Allowance, and those required to look for work.