This dataset is linked to the following visualization: Visualization - Claimant Count Comparators
This dataset uses Claimant Count to monitor unemployment in Leicester and Upper-Tier-Local-Authority (UTLA) comparators as defined by the ONS as well as UTLAs in the East Midlands, and England core cities.
Claimant Count is the number of people claiming Universal Credit or Jobseekers' Allowance principally for the reason of being unemployed.
Claimant Count is a useful proxy for unemployment because it is the most comprehensive unemployment-related dataset published at geographies smaller than the local authority level. While there is significant overlap, it is not the same as the national measure for unemployment, which is based on estimates from the Labour Force Survey and Annual Population Survey.
Claimant Count is best used for understanding short term changes in the labour market and the relative position of small areas.
Rates are calculated using ONS mid-year or census-based population estimates for the 16-64 year old population as a denominator.
A dashboard has also been produced summarising this data into a single page. Click here to view: Dashboard
Further information:
https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/methodologies/aguidetolabourmarketstatistics#introduction
