Universal Credit claims continue to rise in Peterborough

New figures show a further 635 people began claiming Universal Credit in Peterborough last month bringing the total number of claimants to 26,906.

It is a rate of increase of 2.4 per cent and is in line with the regional increase which saw 11,646 additional claimants bringing the total number of claimants for the East of England to 491,917.

The rate of increase in claimant numbers across England is 2.1 per cent.

A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: “Generally, we are starting to see lower rates of increase and we expect to see this gather pace as lockdown restrictions are eased and non-essential retailers and pubs and hospitality are allowed to start to reopen.

He added: “There are plenty of jobs vacancies out there and a growing number of claimants are telling us they have found work.”

Future employment in Peterborough was given a boost when oat milk maker Oatly announced a few weeks ago it is to set up a manufacturing centre in Peterborough creating 200 jobs by 2023.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “Today’s figures highlight the challenges facing us on our road to recovery, but there is reason for optimism with more workers on payrolls and over half a million vacancies out there.

“Our Plan for Jobs is delivering for people of all ages right across the country, and with the recruitment of an additional 10,000 Work Coaches and the opening of new Jobcentres in local communities, we’re helping even more Brits back into work as we build back better from the pandemic.”

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