Proposals for additional series to count unemployed claimants

On 21 May 2018 the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have launched a consultation proposing an additional series relating to unemployed claimants.

The consultation presents options for a new statistical series, in addition to the Claimant Count, that will seek to estimate the number of claimants of unemployment benefits under consistent benefit conditions. This new series would aim to give a better indication of movements due to changes in labour market conditions over time, rather than due to the impact of benefit reforms.

The consultation seeks comments on the proposal and provides a consultation questionnaire for feedback. It will stay open until 21 July 2018.