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UC Claimants Surge to 8.3 Million Amid Reforms

11/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Universal Credit (UC) claimants in the United Kingdom have reached 8.3 million, up 1.1 million.
More than four million UC claimants have no work requirements, up from 2.9 million a year ago.
The group includes people in full-time education, those over pension age, and others unable to work.
The government plans reforms, including the Youth Guarantee, to boost employment amid a 5 percent unemployment rate, the highest since 2020.

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Story summary

Universal Credit (UC) claimants in the United Kingdom have reached 8.3 million, up 1.1 million.
More than four million UC claimants have no work requirements, up from 2.9 million a year ago.
The group includes people in full-time education, those over pension age, and others unable to work.
The government plans reforms, including the Youth Guarantee, to boost employment amid a 5 percent unemployment rate, the highest since 2020.