Thousands of young people out of work in Coventry & Warks

THE number of young people claiming unemployment benefits has soared across Coventry and Warwickshire since Labour came to power - even as the overall number of claimants has fallen.

- By RACHEL STRETTON & RICHARD AULT

An estimated 24,565 people of all ages were receiving unemployment benefits in Coventry and Warwickshire last month, which is 100 fewer than when the Labour government took office in July 2024.

These claimant count figures are used to measure and compare unemployment in parliamentary constituencies, which is different to how the national unemployment rate is calculated.

They show that the vast majority of UK parliamentary constituencies - particularly in the North and Scotland - have seen a drop in the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Universal Credit, with a requirement to seek work.

However, while the overall number of claimants of all ages has fallen, unemployment among young adults aged 18 to 24 has increased significantly.