PEOPLE claiming Universal Credit in Shropshire has risen across all age groups, according to the latest figures.

The first figures to be released by the Department of Work and Pensions under a Labour government since the General Election, it shows that the number of claimants has risen by 10 per cent.

This, according to Labour, shows ‘the work to be done’ in order to get people into work again.

Liz Kendall MP, Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “This is yet more evidence of the dire inheritance we face, with millions of people denied the support they need to get work and get on at work, harming their opportunities and holding back growth.

“This government will deliver the change the country is crying out for by making work pay, transforming skills, overhauling jobcentres and giving local areas the power they need to drive jobs and growth.”

In Shropshire, for July 2024, it showed that overall there were 745 more people claiming UC than the 12 months previously and the majority of this came in the over-50 demographic.

Around 270 people were left without work or claiming UC while for those aged 18-24, there were 70 new claims.

Louise Johnson, partnership manager for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, for the DWP, said: “Shropshire and Telford Jobcentres have continued to focus on supporting their 50 plus aged claimants delivering group information sessions to assist with Pension planning, support for jobseekers with health issues and adapting their CVs for applications.

“It is important to remember for those on Universal Credit people keep more of what they earn, while parents can receive increased childcare payments.

“Also, jobseekers can search our DWP ‘FindaJob’ website, to check out the thousands of jobs on offer.”