A Plymouth MP has called for action to tackle the number of people claiming Universal Credit. Rebecca Smith said in South West Devon 567 more households have signed onto Universal Credit since July 2024.

MP Rebecca Smith said as a result, unemployment has jumped to 4.7 per cent, which is its highest level in four years. She said according to latest figures, real wage growth has fallen to just 1.1 per cent, and the number of people on payroll has plummeted by over 164,000 jobs since the Autumn Budget.

The MP said: "I am deeply concerned by the latest figures out that more than 500 additional people are claiming Universal Credit in South West Devon since Labour took office. Sadly, this should not come as a surprise. Labour’s Jobs Tax has killed job creation and pushed unemployment up to 4.

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