WORCESTER’S unemployment claims have increased in May during the coronavirus lockdown, official figures reveal. The Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) said that Worcester’s unemployment claims under Universal Credit rose by 1,747 in May, compared with the previous month.

In April, 6,106 people applied for benefits, however a month later there were 7,853 Universal Credit claimants – these figures show 28.6 per cent increase in Worcester.

This proves to be higher than average, as nationally the percentage of unemployment claims was 25.3 per cent.

In West Midlands, the figures were slightly lower, at 22.2 per cent. The figures show the number of Universal Credit claimants as at April 9 and May 14 and the percentage increase.

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A spokesman from Department for Works and Pensions said these are the number of claimants and not the number of unemployed as they include furloughed and self-employed.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “First of all any increase, particularly one this substantial is a cause for concern, and it’s clear the slow down of the economy as a result of the coronavirus has had a real impact.

“We need to make sure we have the strongest possible measures to bounce back. These are levels of unemployment we haven’t seen for a number of years in Worcester. Now we need to focus on how we can support the recovery and how we can make sure as many of these people are put back into jobs as quickly as possible.

“I want to make sure the deprived areas of Worcester have a real benefit for jobs and opportunities. I think we have a very good careers service in Worcestershire where we have got businesses working with schools. It’s important we create opportunities for young people quickly so they don’t miss out on the introduction to the work place.”

How have you been affected by the coronavirus? Email grace.walton@newsquest.co.uk.