MP Bob Seely has given his reaction to figures released today on the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits on the Isle of Wight.
 
Latest figures reveal that last month there were 4,845 claimants on the Isle of Wight, which equates to 6.0 per cent of the Island’s population aged 16-64. This is slightly lower than the UK figure of 6.3 per cent.
 
The number of claimants has dropped by 120 since September 2020 but represents an increase of 2,265 since March 2020, before the UK lockdown began.
 
Figures include those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit and required to seek work, but will also include some employed people who have become eligible for Universal Credit through measures introduced by the government in response to the coronavirus.
 
Mr Seely said: “I am concerned about any increase in the number of claimants. However, figures are thankfully lower than anticipated, whilst some of the increase in claimants is due to employed people who have become eligible for Universal Credit, as part of the government response to the coronavirus.
 
“That the claimant figures are still relatively low is due to the extensive furlough support scheme, one of the most generous and comprehensive in the world.
 
“The government is working hard to improve the situation through other measures, including the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme which has been extended until March, increasing Universal Credit and Tax Credits and providing emergency funding to councils to ensure vulnerable people and families are supported.
 
“We are also seeing improvements in our testing system and we have a glimmer of hope in the form of a new vaccine, the trials of which, so far, appear to be positive.
 
“The pandemic has been a horrible period for this country and indeed the world. I hope that we will be able to return to a more normal life by late Spring, and that we can return to our focus to get good jobs and opportunities for Islanders.”