Universal Credit claims in the Western Isles rockets up by 468 in April

According to figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) the Islands had 784 claimants in March 2020 rising to 1,252 claimants in April 2020, a staggering 59.7 percent increase month on month.

The figures give a taste of the economic challenge facing the Islands’ once lockdown measures are eventually eased.

In reaction to the rise in claimants DWP has had to reshape its operational delivery by re-deploying and re-training 10,000 staff into the frontline, with a further 5,00 being recruited, and providing IT for thousands of staff required to be at home under the coronavirus guidelines, so that they can continue to work.

In addition, many processes have been digitised so that customers are able to make claims and submit all of their details without now having to visit a jobcentre.

Will Quince, Minister for Welfare Delivery, said: “Jobcentre staff have done a fantastic job of processing record numbers of Universal Credit claims, and getting support to people who need it quickly.

“We’ve injected £6.5bn into the welfare system to help people during the pandemic, increased the Universal Credit standard allowance by more than £1,000 a year, raised the amount you can get to help with your rent, paused face to face jobcentre appointments, and implemented a call back system so people aren’t waiting on the phone lines unnecessarily.

“This is alongside income protection schemes, mortgage holidays and greater protections for renters.”