Comment on latest employment statistics

Meanwhile the claimant count for income support stands at 215,240 as of 14th May. This is a 99% increase on last May, and has increased faster than in England, which has only seen a 68% increase since last May.

Our Director Alison Watson said:

“These new figures make grim reading. We already know that many people in privately rented accommodation aren’t able to afford to save and we are worried that all too many are about to find out that the social security safety net is not enough to catch their fall with some unable to afford their rent. That’s why we need to see the temporary measures put in place to prevent eviction for rent arrears extended and benefits increased to cover average rents. Without these steps we fear a tidal wave of evictions and already struggling homelessness services becoming overwhelmed as people lose their homes. Homelessness is preventable.

“The Scottish Government must also commit to ensure sufficient funding is available for Discretionary Housing Payments as these are lifelines for those facing a shortfall in their rent.”