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30 November 2006

STATISTICAL PRESS RELEASE - NORTHERN IRELAND CLIENT GROUP ANALYSIS

The latest in the series of statistical reports entitled "Northern Ireland Client Group Analysis" was published today by 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 2003 to February 2006. Some of the main findings include:

  • The proportion of the working age population claiming at least one key benefit was 21.0pc in Northern Ireland compared to 13.5pc in Great Britain in February 2006

  • 222,900 (21pc) people of working age were claiming at least one key benefit in February 2006, compared to 227,200 (22pc) in February 2003

  • More men than women were claimants in February 2006 (118,100 men, 104,800 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 number of unemployed claimants has fallen from 34,540 in February 2003 to 28,980 in February 2006. The number of lone parent claimants has also fallen over this period (from 29,060 in February 2003 to 26,080 in February 2006)

  • The overall number of unemployed claimants fell from 30,020 in February 2005 to 28,980 in February 2006. This was due to the number of claimants moving from this statistical group or leaving benefit altogether exceeding the numbers joining from another statistical group or from outside benefit

  • People of working age claiming sickness and/or disability benefits made up 70pc of the overall total in February 2006. Unemployed claimants made up 13pc of the overall total

  • The number of claimants with children has fallen from 70,280 in February 2003 to 67,720 in February 2006

  • The number of children/young dependants of claimants has fallen from 138,920 in February 2003 to 130,600 in February 2006

  • 274,280 (98pc) people over state pension age were claiming at least one key benefit in February 2006 compared to 260,721 (96pc) in February 2003. When analysed by gender it was found that 98pc of both men and women over state pension age were claiming at least one key benefit in February 2006

  • People over state pension age receiving Retirement Pension but not Pension Credit/Income Support made up 68% of the overall total in February 2006. The second largest group was Retirement Pension and Pension Credit/Income Support claimants who made up 27% of the overall total

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. Pension Credit for males aged 60 - 64 is also included.

2 The key benefits for persons of pensionable age are Attendance Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Pension Credit, Retirement Pension and Widow's Benefit. Pension Credit replaced Income Support for persons aged 60 and over, from October 2003.

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 Bereavement Benefits and Housing Benefit.

4 The next publication will be released online on 16 February 2007. It will be available from Social Welfare Statistics and Consultancy Branch's website - www.dsdni.gov.uk/

5 From April 2003 Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit replaced Working Families' Tax Credit and Disabled Person's Tax Credit. The Tax Credits are administered by HM Revenue and Customs and information on claimants of Tax Credits can be found in the separate publications by HM Revenue and Customs at www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/menu.htm.

6 Copies of the report can be obtained from the Department's website at www.dsdni.gov.uk/index/publications/client_group_analysis.htm or

Social Welfare Statistics and Consultancy Branch
4th Floor James House
2 - 4 Cromac Avenue
Gasworks Business Park
Belfast
BT7 2JA

7. Media enquiries to DSD Press Office on 028 90829797.

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