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Claimant count

Number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits — a timelier monthly proxy for labour market conditions than the unemployment rate.

1699 thousands
+1.6% vs previous period

As of 2026-04

Historical trend

423 2k 3k 1971-011998-092026-04

About this indicator

Source
ONS / DWP
Update frequency
Monthly
Last updated
16 June 2026
Licence
OGL v3
Rising trend is…
Negative

Statistics

Latest
1698.9 thousands
Period high
3090.0
Period low
422.6
Period average
1550.1