{"id":92129,"date":"2018-05-21T15:10:20","date_gmt":"2018-05-21T15:10:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=cbaf7e98956af0b4802f20b16e9fa9cf"},"modified":"2018-05-21T15:10:20","modified_gmt":"2018-05-21T15:10:20","slug":"press-release-government-launches-consultation-on-claimant-count","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=92129","title":{"rendered":"Press release: Government launches consultation on Claimant Count"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP<\/abbr>) is consulting on a new measure of the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits to provide consistency over time.<\/p>\n

This follows a decision by the UK Statistics Authority to remove the National Statistics quality mark from the current Claimant Count statistics as they no longer provide a reliable measure of movements in the labour market.<\/p>\n

The Claimant Count is rising in areas where Universal Credit has rolled out because it is counting people in the \u2018Searching for Work\u2019 Universal Credit conditionality group. Some of these people would not previously have been included in the Claimant Count under Jobseeker\u2019s Allowance.<\/p>\n

More consistent data will allow more meaningful comparisons over time so that the government can be held to account for its progress on supporting everyone who wants to work, to find a job.<\/p>\n

In a consultation launched today by Minister of State for Employment Alok Sharma MP, the DWP<\/abbr> is seeking views on 2 alternative options.<\/p>\n

Having a more accurate picture will help Local Authorities and Jobcentre Plus understand the needs in their communities.<\/p>\n

Minister of State for Employment Alok Sharma said:<\/p>\n

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I am delighted that we have record employment in the British economy, but it is also important that we have an accurate measure of the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits so we can provide support to those wanting to move into work or to a better paid job.<\/p>\n

I urge all those with an interest in this area to take part in this consultation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

More information<\/h2>\n

The consultation will run for 8 weeks until 21 July 2018.<\/p>\n

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Read the consultation on Proposals for a new statistical series to count unemployed claimants<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Contact Press Office<\/h2>\n
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Press Office<\/h3>\n
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\nCaxton House
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\nTothill Street<\/span>
\nLondon<\/span>
\nSW1H 9NA<\/span>\n<\/p>\n

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\n London Press Office (national media and London area enquiries only \u2013 not questions about personal claims)<\/span>
\n 020 3267 5144\n <\/p>\n

\n Out-of-hours (journalists only)<\/span>
\n 07623 928 975\n <\/p>\n

\n England and Wales (local media enquiries)<\/span>
\n 029 20 586 then 097 or 098 or 099\n <\/p>\n

\n Scotland (local media enquiries)<\/span>
\n 0131 310 1122\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Follow DWP<\/abbr> on:<\/p>\n