Universal Credit claims in Peterborough soar by more than 30 per cent as Covid lockdown tightens its grip

New figures show that there were 22,146 claimants in Peterborough by May 14 as the corornavirus lockdown continued to take its toll on jobs and incomes across the city.

It means that over five weeks from April 9 - the last date for which claimant figures were available- a further 5,179 people applied for Universal Credit - a rise of 30.5 per cent.

The rate of increase in Peterborough is higher than the national increase of 26.6 per cent.

Nationally there were 4,576,226 Universal Credit claimants by May 14 compared to 3,614,500 five weeks earlier.

The figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) also show that for the same period across the East of England, there were 449,682 Universal Credit claimants - up from 337,286 - a rise of 33.3 per cent.

A spokesman for the DWP said: “These figures came from the middle of the coronavirus lockdown and the increase is extremely large.

“There has been an impact for nearly everyone but we are starting to see a little bit of light now.

“While I expect the claimant count to continue to rise for sometime, I don’t think the rate of increase will be as steep.”

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “Today’s figures are starting to show the impact of Covid-19 on our economy, but our furlough scheme, grants, loans and tax cuts have protected thousands of businesses and millions of jobs, setting us up for recovery.

“Already our nationwide network of Work Coaches have moved in to support jobseekers across sectors and match them with employers who are recruiting.

“By responding to the needs of communities across the UK they will be at the heart of our revival and renewal, helping people find new roles and move forward with their lives.”