Unemployment Rate in Shropshire (April 2026)
Claimant Rate
2.4%
Shropshire · April 2026
-1.1pp vs UK average
Shropshire Claimant Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Claimant Rate — Shropshire | 2.4% |
| Number of Claimants | 4,685 |
| UK Average Claimant Rate | 3.5% |
| Difference vs UK | -1.1 percentage points |
| Data Period | April 2026 |
| Source | ONS Claimant Count (Universal Credit + JSA) |
Understanding the Claimant Rate in Shropshire
The claimant rate in Shropshire is 2.4%, slightly below the UK average of 3.5%. This suggests Shropshire has a relatively active job market with employment levels broadly ahead of the national norm.
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.