New data from the Office for National Statistics published today begins to show the economic effect Coronavirus is having on the UK. The full data can be found here: https://www.ons.gov.uk/
In Wycombe, there were 2,725 claimants (who were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, or were claiming Universal Credit and are required to seek work) in April 2020, or 3.9% of the population aged 16-64. This was 885 higher than March 2020 and 1,355 higher than April 2019. The equivalent UK claimant count was 5.1%.
These rising unemployment figures will hit those affected hard. They begin to indicate the scale of the economic challenge coronavirus presents. I am thankful Wycombe continues to do well by national standards.
I will continue to work closely with local and national authorities to give the private sector economy the very best chance of a swift recovery post-coronavirus.