UK unemployment claims surge 69% as pandemic takes hold

Unemployment claims in Britain jumped 69% in April, as COVID-19 pandemic took hold and hit labor market, U.K. authorities said Tuesday.

Office of National Statistics says jobless claims surged by 856,000 to 2.1 million in April as compared to month before. figures covered only first weeks of lockdown, said Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician for ecomic statistics at ONS.

“In March, employment held up well, as furloughed workers still count as employed, but hours worked fell sharply in late March, especially in sectors such as hospitality and construction,'' he said.

Work and Pensions Secretary rese Coffey told BBC that government was focused on those claiming benefits under Universal Credit, a welfare payment for those who need help, including unemployed.

“I think so far employment stats really are indicative to end of March and we won’t have a more detailed understanding for about ar month,'' she said. “So at moment, Universal Credit claimants are where we are focusing our interest.”