A SOUTHAMPTON MP has branded the economic recovery from coronavirus as "slow".

This comes after figures revealed that hundreds fewer people in Southampton were claiming unemployment benefits in September than the month before.

But that figure was still 12,045 more than the number of claimants in the same month last year.

Government data shows 9,315 people in the area were claiming out-of-work benefits as of September 9, down from 9,830 in August.

It means 5.4% of Southampton’s working-age population sought support during the month – down from 5.7%.

Alan Whitehead MP, who represents Southampton Test, said: "'These figures show that the economic recovery from the pandemic is slow. There are still many more people on Universal Credit and other support than before the pandemic and that is before the furlough scheme ended.

"This is exactly why Labour did not want the £20 Universal Credit uplift removed at this point in time."

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, said he remains hopeful that people are landing secure, permanent jobs.

"The pandemic hit many sectors very hard," he told the Echo. "Southampton has sadly, for too long, been heavily dependent on services, retail and hospitality.

"Those sectors were most affected and are struggling to get back to where they were. I’m hopeful we will soon get more people into permanent roles with good pay, job security and career prospects."

The figures on unemployment benefits include those aged 16 to 64 on Jobseeker’s Allowance and some Universal Credit claimants, who are unemployed and seeking work or employed but with low earnings.

The Office for National Statistics has cautioned that changes to Universal Credit in response to the virus mean more people can get the benefits while still being employed, which could affect the figures.

It also said a small number of people who can claim both JSA and UC could be counted twice.