THE INTRODUCTION of a new kind of benefit has made it almost impossible to tell if unemployment figures are rising or falling in Bracknell and Wokingham.

Universal Credit is a monthly payment that replaces other kinds of benefits, largely targeted at people on low-wages and the unemployed.

It has been rolling out in stages across the UK over the past year.

On February 23 however, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced that it would no longer be including the claimant count in their monthly Labour Market Statistical Bulletin from March.

This is because they believe the impact of Universal Credit roll-out means that the claimant count is no longer is a reliable indicator of trends in the labour market.

So when the Conservative Party claimed on July 12, 2017, that unemployment was at an all time low, they were using figures no longer backed by the country's official fact-finding organisation.

It also means local data is difficult to interpret.

In Bracknell, 620 people claimed unemployment benefits in July 2017, a three year-on-year increase, but a 63 per cent decrease compared to 2010.

In Wokingham, 405 received the benefit in July, a seven per cent year-on-year increase but a 60 per cent decrease compared to 2010.

Because Universal Credit recipient may also be in work however, unlike before, comparing data across the years gives little indication of how many people are completely without work.