Almost three times more men claimed benefits than women in December 2019 in Kent.

According to figures released today, 31,420 people are now claiming benefits in the county, which is 270 more than the previous month.

Updated figures show 200 more men and 70 more women signed on for benefits in December last year.

A total of 85 more men aged between 16-24 submitted claims benefits claim compared to just 35 women.

However, a greater disparity can be seen for people over 50, with 30 more men claiming benefits and 35 less women started to claim.

It is the 17th month in a row for the number benefit claimants have risen in the county, with 10 of its 13 council authority areas seeing a rise in claims.

Folkestone and Hythe saw the sharpest rise of 60 more claimants.

This was followed by Swale and Maidstone, both of which saw an increase of 45.

Areas which saw a decrease in figures were Tonbridge and Malling, with 25 less people claiming benefits, and Thanet, which saw a drop of 15.

Medway continues to have the highest number of people claiming benefits at 5,520, which is up from 5,495 from the month before.

Tunbridge Wells saw no change in the number of claims, maintaining 1,080 people on benefits from November.

There are a number of reasons why claims go up or down and the office of 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."

To read more about Kent's unemployment figures nearing the end of 2019, click here.

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