3 December 2002

NORTHERN IRELAND CLIENT GROUP ANALYSIS

The latest in a series of statistical reports entitled "Northern Ireland Client Group Analysis" was released today by the Statistics and Research Branch of the Department for Social Development.

It contains information on people of working age, their children and people of pensionable age receiving at least one key benefit at February 2002. The report is available in hard copy format and on the website www.dsdni.gov.uk/statistics-research/introduction.asp

Some of the main findings include:

1. The proportion of the working age population claiming at least one key benefit was 22pc in Northern Ireland compared to 14pc in Great Britain in February 2002.
2. 224,700 (22pc) people of working age were claiming at least one key benefit in February 2002, compared to 233,060 (23pc) in February 1999.
3. More men than women were claimants in February 2002 (118,900 men, 105,800 women) partly due to the difference in retirement age and because men tend to claim a means tested benefit on behalf of a couple. The gap between male and female claimants has narrowed since February 1999 (128,120 men, 104,940 women).

4. The downward trend in overall numbers is mainly due to a reduction in unemployed claimants (down from 54,060 in February 1999 to 37,540 in February 2002). The number of lone parent claimants has also fallen over this period.
5. The overall number of unemployed claimants fell from 54,060 in February 1999 to 37,540 in February 2002. This occurred for two reasons;
   Firstly the number in this group who left benefit altogether exceeded the number in the group joining from outside benefit.

   Secondly the number of claimants moving from the unemployed group into other benefit groups was greater than the number moving into unemployment.

6. People of working age claiming sickness and/or disability benefits made up the largest group in February 2002 (144,780 claimants – 64pc of the overall total). The sick and disabled group rose by 10,620 (8pc) between February 1999 and February 2002.
7. The number of claimants with children has fallen from 76,940 in February 1999 to 72,200 in February 2002.
8. The number of children/young dependants of claimants has fallen from 157,920 in February 1999 to 142,400 in February 2002.
9. 253,762 (97pc) people over state pension age were claiming at least one key benefit in February 2002 compared to 249,534 (97pc) in February 1999. In February 2002 97pc of men and 96pc of women were claiming at least one key benefit.
10. The number of people over state pension age classified as sick and disabled rose by 9pc from 111,817 to 122,260 between February 1999 and February 2002.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. The key benefits for persons of working age and their children are Jobseeker’s Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Income Support.
2. The key benefits for persons of pensionable age are Attendance Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Income Support and Retirement Pension.
3. These analyses are based on data collected through the administration of the individual key benefits, which are available to persons of working age and persons over state pension age with the main exception of Widow’s Benefit and Housing Benefit.
4. The next publication will be on 27 November 2003 however the information will be updated quarterly on Statistics and Research Branch’s website – www.dsdni.gov.uk/statistics-research/introduction.asp
5. In October 1999 Working Families’ Tax Credit and Disabled Person’s Tax Credit replaced Family Credit and Disability Working Allowance respectively. The tax credits are administered by the Inland Revenue and information on claimants of tax credits can be found in the separate publications by Inland Revenue Analytical Services Division – www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk
6. Further enquires or requests for additional copies should be addressed to Elaine Savage,
   Statistics & Research Branch,
   Block 4.3,
   Castle Buildings,
   Stormont,
   BT4 3SJ:
   Tel - 028 9052 3120;
   Fax - 028 9052 2763:
   E-mail - srb@dsdni.gov.uk/srb

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