Interactive map: Claimants of unemployment-related benefits on the rise

The number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in the United Kingdom for December 2023 has increased when compared to the same period in 2022. This data was released by the Office for National Statistics on the 16th of January 2024. The Office for National Statistics includes “out of work Universal Credit claimants” and “Job Seeker’s Allowance claimants.”

For 16 to 64 year olds, the national average for the number of claimants per local authority sits at 4,316 people. The latest figures reveal that, on average, 3.28% of a local authority’s 16 to 64 year olds are claiming Universal Credit or Job Seeker’s allowance. There has been a very slight increase in the proportion of claimants when compared to last year. The data reveals that the national proportional average of claimants has increased by 0.07%.

Birmingham has the highest proportion of claimants against total population – with a figure of 8.6%. This figure was also the highest among Metropolitan Counties and Greater London. The Isles of Scilly had the lowest rate at 1.7%.

These maps were created by Polimapper. To find out more, visit polimapper.co.uk