The number of people in West Dunbartonshire relying on Universal Credit (UC) to survive has gone down slightly, according to the most recent figures.

Statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed a total of 5,050 people registered through Dumbarton’s Jobcentre, and 5,041 in Clydebank.

Dumbarton’s figure was a reduction of 24 people and Clydebank had 35 fewer needing the benefits.

Men seeking employment who no longer were on UC accounted for the bulk of the improvement between April 7 and May 13.

But the modest improvement is set against the fact that more than 10,000 across both West Dunbartonshire Jobcentres need help to survive.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, those needing government support have doubled as businesses collapsed and millions were ordered to stay home.

Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said: “The number of my constituents having to rely on Universal Credit continues to be too in high.

And with the UK Government refusing to extend furlough support - despite having just delayed the lifting of lockdown restrictions - Westminster is risking a wave of redundancies in the coming weeks.

“By cutting furlough and business support too soon before Covid restrictions are ended, the UK Chancellor will be responsible for forcing thousands more families into financial hardship unless they heed calls to act now.”

DWP publicises “alternative claimant” figures for those seeking work and put the total at 4,327 across West Dunbartonshire, 794 of them aged between 18 and 24.

That total has jumped by 36 per cent in five years covering the pandemic and continued austerity at every level of government across the UK.

Scotland’s alternative claimant total has jumped by 67 per cent over five years.

The Scottish unemployment rate is 4.2 per cent, slightly below the UK average at 4.7 per cent.

A staggering six million people across the UK need benefits to attempt to get by.

The low amounts paid out however frequently requires millions to turn to food banks.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said there were “encouraging elements” in the latest figures.

He said: “These are challenging times and we still have a lot to do to get people back into work and see our economy prosper again.

“The UK Government has acted quickly and decisively since the beginning of the pandemic to protect livelihoods and keep businesses afloat in every part of the UK.

“The UK Government is entirely focused on Covid recovery.

"We are investing £1.5 billion in growth deals across Scotland, and our new Levelling Up, Community Renewal and Community Ownership Funds will invest in communities right across the UK.

“Our Plan for Jobs is also creating opportunities through Kickstart and sector work programmes for young people.”