Universal Credit claims across East Ayrshire have increased by almost a third since the coronavirus pandemic hit the region.
On March 12, a total of 8678 people were claiming Universal Credit.But by April 9, there were 11,418 people were on the benefits system – a 32 per cent increase.The increase has been mirrored across the country with Scotland as a whole reporting a 41 per cent increase.Officials say the figures show the incredible pressures brought to bear on Universal Credit over a sustained period, with call volumes rising to a peak of 2.2 million across the UK in a single day.Officers at Kilmarnock’s job centre say there are thousands of vacancies throughout the UK including Grants Brothers Meat Canners in Galston, as well as the