Though unemployment has risen, the number of new people claiming benefits is lower than in previous months.

March was the 20th month in a row in which unemployment benefits claims have risen in Kent - with 33,120 now claiming.

This is an overall rise of 325 claims from February. This is significantly lower than the previous month's rise of 1,230.

Most areas in Kent have seen an increase in claims, with the highest rise of 50 seen in Swale. In the previous month the area's increase was double that.

The most striking difference in claims can be seen in Thanet. February saw 200 more people claiming unemployment benefits but in March there were only 25.

The only area to see a decrease last month was Folkestone and Hythe with 30 fewer people claiming unemployment.

There are a number of reasons why claims go up or down and the Office for National Statistics says the slow introduction of Universal Credit has had an impact on numbers.

A spokesman said: "Under Universal Credit, a broader span of claimants are required to look for work than under jobseeker's allowance.

"As Universal Credit full service is rolled out in particular areas, the number of people recorded as being on the claimant count is therefore likely to rise."

The UK's ongoing lockdown does not appear to have influenced the numbers as yet, with hopes the government's furlough scheme may have saved thousands of jobs in the county.

One expert told KentOnline the figures could indeed rise dramatically once the scheme ends.

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To read more about February's unemployment statistics, click here.

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