Unemployment Rate in Brighton and Hove (April 2026)
Claimant Rate
4.4%
Brighton and Hove · April 2026
+0.9pp vs UK average
Brighton and Hove Claimant Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Claimant Rate — Brighton and Hove | 4.4% |
| Number of Claimants | 8,955 |
| UK Average Claimant Rate | 3.5% |
| Difference vs UK | +0.9 percentage points |
| Data Period | April 2026 |
| Source | ONS Claimant Count (Universal Credit + JSA) |
Understanding the Claimant Rate in Brighton and Hove
Brighton and Hove's claimant rate of 4.4% is close to the UK national average of 3.5%, indicating employment conditions typical of UK local authorities overall.
The local economy supports a broad range of employment opportunities, and the rate of people claiming out-of-work benefits is consistent with national trends.
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.