Number of benefit claimants in Peterborough increases

Unemployment

Thenumberofcityresidents claiming unemployment benefits has increased.

In January, there were 1,645 people claiming either Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit, up from 1,485 the month before.

For young people, the figureincreasedfrom355to365.

Jobcentre Plus put the increase down to a loss of seasonal jobs after Christmas.

In the East of England, the number of people in employment reduced by 16,000 between October and December, but nationally employment is at a record high of 74.6 per cent, with 31.84 million people now in work.

Unemploymentnationally is at 4.8 percent, thelowest rate for 11 years.