Universal Credit: these are the age groups in England that have been worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic
Analysis of Department for Work and Pensions figures by the JPIMedia Data Unit reveals the number of people claiming Universal Credit in England has risen by 118% in the past year – despite efforts to protect jobs through the government furlough scheme.
In January 2020, there were 2.4 million people claiming Universal Credit, but provisional figures for January 2021 show this had risen to 5.2 million.
The Universal Credit benefit is available to low earners as well as those out of work, so some people on furlough could be receiving wage top-ups.
Across England, those aged 20 to 24 have been the worst affected by the pandemic.
Claimants in this age group were also most likely to be completely out of work or earning very little – those required to undertake an intensive search for work or a better paid job.
Here’s how different age groups across the country have been impacted by the Covid pandemic.
The Universal Credit benefit is available to low earners as well as those out of work, so some people on furlough could be receiving wage top-ups.
5. 45 to 49
The fifth hardest hit group was 45 to 49 year olds, with claims up from 213,215 to 463,082 – a rise of 117%. Photo: Shutterstock
6. 35 to 39
Claims among those aged 35 to 39 rose by 116%, from 316,479 to 682,344. Photo: Shutterstock
7. 60 to 65
People approaching retirement from the ages of 60 to 65 were next, with a rise of 115%, from 133,679 claimants to 287,160. Photo: Shutterstock
8. 30 to 34
They were followed by people aged 30 to 34, with claims up by 113% from 376,515 to 802,010. Photo: Shutterstock