Huge increase in number of people seeking Job Centre help during coronavirus lockdown

The number of people receiving support from the Job Centre is up by more than 50 per cent in Rutland and by 44 per cent in South Kesteven, according to the latest figures.

In March 958 people in Rutland were being supported by the Job Centre, which helps people apply for benefits they are entitled to, and to find work.

This number rose to 1,471 people in April, an increase of 53 per cent.

In South Kesteven the number of people seeking help went from 5,932 in March to 8,596 in April.

Stuart Roberts, an employer advisor for the Job Centre, said the increase reflected instability caused by the coronavirus lockdown, with many more people finding themselves without work.

“The most important thing for us is to get people paid,” he said. “After that we can offer other forms of support that are out there.

“A lot of the people coming to us at the moment do have jobs to go back to when the coronavirus lockdown is over.

“However, they may wish to look at alternative employment or seasonal work for income while this is going on.”

Stuart said the website www.jobhelp.dwp.gov.uk was providing information for people who are either self-employed and cannot currently continue with their usual work, or those furloughed from a company.

“Some people are looking at going into social caring roles for a while, or helping with agriculture during the summer to help keep Britain running.

“The website also provides ideas for alternative employment, tips on preparing a CV and how to take part in remote interviews, and advice about redundancy.

“And it has job vacancies people can apply for.”

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