CLAIMS for Universal Credit in Bolton slightly increased over the last month as the economy continues to adjust after lockdown.

Figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions show that as of August 12 32,683 people in the borough were claiming the benefit, 424 more than were claiming a month previously.

However, Penny Applegate, partnership manager at Bolton Jobcentre Plus, explained that this was not necessarily an indicator that unemployment had increased, given that many of those on Universal Credit are in work.

She said: "It's not necessarily bad news, it can actually be very, very good news.

"It can be people have made their way into a new job or new housing."

This could also indicate that people were finishing school or transferring from other benefits.

Broken down by constituency, 175 of the new claimants were in Bolton North East, with 196 in Bolton South East and 47 in Bolton West.

Across England, 35,110 extra people were reported to be claiming Universal Credit in August.

This also comes just a few weeks before the final ending of the furlough scheme at the end of September.

However, despite the importance this had had during the height of the pandemic, Ms Applegate says this is unlikely to be as important to the area as previously.

Ms Applegate said: "It's not causing huge waves, I think most industries have not had to furlough people for all this time."

Turning to how the pandemic had reshaped the economy in other ways, she added: "One of the few benefits of the pandemic is that more jobs are considered suitable for working at home and that can suit some people if they have care needs or health requirements."

However, the local job centre says it is also preparing to help people as they readjust.

This includes job finding support, entry support and the Restart programme which aims to help people in long term unemployment get back into work.

Ms Applegate said: "There's a whole range of extra support given to people depending on who they are and where they are."

her and her staff have also work to establish links with local employers, such as by setting up a stall at the most recent Bolton Fair encouraging businesses to sign up to the Kickstart scheme, which funds employment opportunities for young people.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: "We’re helping employers recruit for the record number of vacancies out there, particularly in growing sectors, and supporting people of all ages and backgrounds to overcome barriers, land their next role, and progress in work."