THE number of people claiming unemployment benefit and universal credit in Barnsley rose slightly to 5,090 in August, latest monthly figures show.
The figure was a 1.8 per cent increase on the previous month. It was a 36 per cent increase on the same month last year, but a 26 per cent drop when compared to the same month five years ago.
The figure for those aged 18 to 24 claiming the same benefits is now 1,080, which is a 4.3 per cent increase on the month before, a 26 per cent increase from the same month last year, but a 42 per cent fall compared to five years ago.
Changes to the benefit system mean the figures seem inflated since last year, and many of those included in the figure - more than a third of the total - are in work but claiming universal credit. It includes those who would previously have been working, but on housing benefit or tax credits.
