Unemployment Rate in Blackburn with Darwen (April 2026)
Blackburn with Darwen Claimant Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Claimant Rate — Blackburn with Darwen | 5.4% |
| Number of Claimants | 5,585 |
| UK Average Claimant Rate | 3.5% |
| Difference vs UK | +1.9 percentage points |
| Data Period | April 2026 |
| Source | ONS Claimant Count (Universal Credit + JSA) |
Understanding the Claimant Rate in Blackburn with Darwen
At 5.4%, Blackburn with Darwen's claimant rate is somewhat above the UK average of 3.5%. This can reflect a range of factors including the mix of industries in the area, the proportion of workers in seasonal or insecure employment, and wider regional economic conditions.
Local councils and devolved authorities in such areas often pursue targeted employment and skills investment programmes aimed at reducing long-term unemployment and supporting workers into sustainable employment.
What is the Claimant Count?
The claimant count measures the number of people claiming Universal Credit principally for the reason of being unemployed, plus those claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). The rate is expressed as a percentage of the estimated population aged 16–64. It is published monthly by the ONS and provides the most up-to-date picture of unemployment at a local level.