South West Devon sees rise in Universal Credit claims as unemployment grows

Over 500 more households in South West Devon are now claiming Universal Credit compared with last summer, new figures have shown.

The rise follows a year of worsening economic data across the country, with unemployment now standing at 4.7% - the highest level in four years.

Real wage growth has slowed to 1.1%, while payroll numbers have dropped by more than 164,000 since last autumn’s Budget.

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South West Devon MP Rebecca Smith said the figures highlight the pressure local families are facing. She blamed the Labour Government’s approach to business and tax for job losses in the area.

“I am deeply concerned that more than 500 additional people are now claiming Universal Credit in South West Devon since Labour took office,” she said. “This has been particularly damaging for the rural economy and hospitality sector here in Devon. Farms, cafés and pubs are cutting back, leaving more local people out of work and relying on support.”

Miss Smith added that she fears further tax rises planned for later this year will make the situation worse for businesses and households in the constituency.

The Department for Work and Pensions said unemployment has been rising nationally for ten months in a row.

Across the UK, more than a million additional people are now on benefits compared with last year.

Helen Whately MP, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, also criticised the Labour Government. She said: “Labour promised good jobs but are just putting people on more benefits, paid for by ever higher taxes.”

For South West Devon, the latest rise in Universal Credit claims marks a setback, with many families worried about how to pay the bills as costs remain high.