Local unemployment doubles in a month

The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Powys has jumped by 102% from 1,445 to 2,885 - 3.8 per cent of the county's working population.

The figures, published by the Office for National Statistics, are April and comes as businesses in the area have made staff redundant rather than through the government's furlough scheme.

The figures will also include those who are not covered by furlough or other government financial support, such as some self-employed or freelancers, who might be receiving Universal Credit.

In Wales there were 103,869 claimants, compared with 58,576 in March, (increase of 73%). This took the claimant rate from 3.9% to 6.8% of the workforce.

The UK total has risen to 2.1 million, an increase of 856,500 in March (increase of 67%).