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Record number of non-British nationals claiming unemployment benefit in U.K.

Universal Credit UK news

The number of non-UK nationals out of work in Britain has reached record levels, with nearly 1.3 million foreign nationals claiming Universal Credit, according to ONS and DWP data.

Between January and March 2025, foreign nationals made up 21.5% of all unemployed people, with 346,000 unemployed—the highest on record. Of the total claimants, around 760,000 were out of work and 525,000 were receiving in-work benefits, including significant numbers with refugee status, EU settled status, or indefinite leave to remain.

The figure has risen 40% since 2022, prompting political criticism over the strain on welfare and calls for restricting Universal Credit to UK citizens. The government has pledged to tighten eligibility, extending the qualifying period for settled status from five to ten years.

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6 COMMENTS

  1. add the prioritised NHS treatments, free housing, dental, free vision tests, subsidised glasses, refunded travel to attend NHS appointments and oh yes plu$ benefit$$.

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