THE number of residents across Flintshire and Wrexham claiming unemployment benefits remains significantly above pre-pandemic levels.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics shows that in Flintshire, 5,230 people were claiming out-of-work benefits as of July 9, compared to just 2,655 in early March.

The number getting help in Flintshire also went up slightly compared to the start of June, when there were 5,130 claimants.

Anti-poverty charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation warns many could be facing “grinding pressure and uncertainty” about how to make ends meet as government job support schemes wind down.

In Wrexham, 5,120 people were claiming out-of-work benefits as of July 9.

The number getting help in Wrexham also went up slightly compared to the start of June, when there were 4,990 claimants.

Commenting on the latest Labour Market Statistics, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “We recognise these figures don’t tell the whole story of how coronavirus is impacting our economy and that the full picture will become clearer over the coming months and as UK Government support schemes wind down.

“However, as a Welsh Government, we are doing all that we can to protect businesses and jobs from the severe effects of the pandemic. Our £1.7bn package of support which is the most generous anywhere in the UK and is in addition to UK Government support, has benefited thousands of firms across Wales. This includes our unique Economic Resilience Fund which has provided crucial financial support to more than 12,000 companies, helping to protect around 75,000 jobs.

“We also recently announced a £40m jobs and skills package which will provide help for anyone who needs it to find work, education or training or to start their own business at this challenging time. This support will be key in helping Wales recover from coronavirus and ensure no one is left behind.

“We continue to press the UK Government to maintain the vital furlough and self-employment income support schemes, until we are through the worst of the crisis.”

Across the UK, the claimant count more than doubled to 2.7 million in July compared to March.

The Leader has previously reported that thousands of jobs are at risk across the region including places like Airbus, Debenhams, JCB and more.

On August 12, the UK entered a recession for the first time in 11 years.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the latest labour market figures showed government support measures were working to safeguard millions of jobs.

He added: “I’ve always been clear that we can’t protect every job, but through our Plan For Jobs we have a clear plan to protect, support and create jobs to ensure that nobody is left without hope.”