Jobseeker numbers rise even as more people move into work

MSD figures show 218,500 people on the Jobseeker benefit in June 2026, up about 2,500 on a year earlier. Minister Louise Upston pointed to 86,544 people leaving benefits for work, up 5,772. Labour's Willow-Jean Prime noted nearly 30,000 more people are on Jobseeker than when the government set its target to cut 50,000.