THE number of people claiming unemployment benefits has increased in the Harlow, Hertford and Stortford, North East Hertfordshire and North West Essex constituencies.

Nationally, unemployment is at its highest level in almost five years, according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. In the last three months of 2025, the UK’s unemployment rate hit 5.2%.

Harlow: The constituency had 2,965 claimants in January, 4.1% of its working-age population. The total is the highest since March 2025, when there were 3,000 claimants.

Hertford and Stortford: The constituency had 1,400 claimants in January – 2% of the potential workforce. The total is the highest since 1,435 in September last year and up from 1,335 in October, November and December 2025.

North West Essex: Constituency, which includes Stansted, Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Thaxted. There were 1,390 unemployment benefit claimants – that is, people on Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit who are required to seek work.

The total is 2.1% of her constituents aged 16 to 64, and the highest claimant total since September last year.