Number of people on Universal Credit has increased in all 10 GM boroughs again

The number of people claiming Universal Credit has increased again across all 10 Greater Manchester boroughs.

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show all 10 boroughs have seen yet another increase in those receiving the all-in-one benefit - and it’s a pattern that’s been continuing since the start of the pandemic.

While the rate of increase has massively slowed - huge rises in claimant numbers were seen in the early months of the first lockdown in 2020 - lots of new people are still signing on with 1,786 new claimants seen across the city-region in just one month.

Between May and June, the number of claimants across the north west rose by 4,000 people from 755,400 to 759,400.

Over the same time period - the number of claimants across Greater Manchester’s boroughs increased by the following amounts.

In Bolton, the number of claimants rose from 32,460 to 32,686.

For Bury, it went from 17,985 to 18,098.

Manchester saw the highest number of new claimants across the city region with 372 people signing up between May and June.

Overall, those claiming the all-in-one benefit rose from 79,078 to 79,450.

Oldham saw the second highest number of new claimants - their figure rose from 33,850 to 34,214 with 364 new people signing on to Universal Credit.

The number of people claiming in Rochdale went from 27,586 to 27,811.

In Salford, it went from 32,269 to 32,465.

Stockport saw an increase from 21,979 claimants to 22,031.

In Tameside, the number of people claiming in May stood at 26,526 - by June that had risen to 26,621.

Trafford saw the smallest increase, but an increase just the same, from 17,344 claiming in May to 17,371 a month later.

For Wigan, the number of people claiming Universal Credit rose from 31,970 to 32,086.

While the number of claimants has risen, it’s not necessarily an indication of unemployment levels - most claimants are currently employed and use Universal Credit to ‘top-up’ their income.

The unemployment rate across the North West has decreased since April 2021 by 14,000 people.

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP, said: “In the past year we have supported over 14.5m people across the country through our Plan for Jobs including through the Kickstart Scheme.

“We know that it’s not been possible to save every job, but we have protected as many as we can, whilst helping new job seekers through our DWP programmes to secure work.

“There is still work to do as today’s figures show, but importantly we’re on the right track and pushing for recovery - with a sustained rise in the number of people on payrolls, including 135,000 more young people in work this month, and another rise in vacancies on offer as we continue on our roadmap.”

Minister for Welfare Delivery, Will Quince, said: “Whether it’s through our comprehensive Plan for Jobs, the individual tailored support offered by our work coaches, or the financial safety net it provides, Universal Credit is supporting people across the country.

"Anyone who thinks they can benefit from this vital safety net should visit the Understanding Universal Credit website to find out more.”

If you or someone you know is looking for work, they can contact their local Job Centre to receive advice and support.

The Manchester Jobs Fair is also taking place on Friday July 23 at Old Trafford Football Stadium from 10am to 1pm.

The fair is free to attend for all job seekers.

You will be able to speak face-to-face with various local and national employers at this event as recruiters from a variety of different industries will be there.

To book a ticket, click here

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