THERE was a slight increase in the number of people in North Shropshire claiming Universal Credit (UC) between June and July according to the latest figures.

In June there were 6,994 people claiming UC across the constituency, increasing to 7,154 in July – a caseload increase of 2.3 per cent.

Additionally, based on the most recent figures from last year there has been a 114 per cent increase on people claiming UC across North Shropshire.

A spokesman for Job Centre Plus said staff continued to work to assist people in finding new employment.

"Job Centre Plus in Shropshire have continued to focus on providing vital support services to people across Shropshire and Telford & the Wrekin in these challenging times," they said.

"Our teams are engaging with many more people than ever before to process their benefit claims on time and in full and to provide the information, advice, guidance and support they need to help them return quickly to work.

"We are making excellent use of digital channels to keep claimants and staff safe."