Nearly q in 10 Barrow Working-Age Residents Claiming Universal Credit
Almost one in 10 working-age residents in Barrow are claiming Universal Credit on health grounds, according to recent figures.
The data shows that 9.7% of working-age people in Barrow are claiming Universal Credit because of health-related barriers to work.
This is higher than the national average of 7.7%.
The figures highlight long-running concerns about poor health, disability, economic inactivity and access to work in Barrow and wider Cumbria.
Across Cumbria, the number of people claiming Universal Credit because of health conditions rose sharply in the year to September 2025.
Sharp Rise Across Cumbria
In September 2025, there were 21,941 people in Cumbria claiming Universal Credit on health grounds.
That was up from 15,645 the year before.
This means the number of claimants rose by 40.2% in just 12 months.
The increase reflects a wider national trend, but Barrow’s figures are among the highest in the region.
Local reports suggest the rise is linked to long-term health problems, deprivation and barriers that make it harder for some residents to stay in work or return to employment.
Barrow’s Long Standing Health Challenges
Barrow-in-Furness has faced deep health inequalities for many years.
The 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation ranked Barrow as one of the most deprived areas in England for health deprivation and disability.
The area ranked fourth in the country for that measure.
Some wards are affected more than others. Old Barrow and Hindpool have been highlighted as areas with especially high levels of poor health and benefit claims.
These figures point to a wider issue. Many people are not simply out of work because of the local jobs market. They are unable to work, or limited in the work they can do, because of health conditions.
Long Term Sickness a Major Cause of Worklessness
A Westmorland and Furness Council report has highlighted long-term sickness as the leading cause of economic inactivity in Cumbria.
Economic inactivity means people are not in work and are not actively looking for work.
According to the report, long-term sickness accounts for 43% of those who are economically inactive in the county.
In Barrow, the issue is especially serious.
The figures show that 32% of people who are economically inactive due to health issues have never worked. This is higher than the county average.
This shows how poor health can affect people early in adult life, not only later in their careers.
Young Adults Also Affected
The figures also show high claimant rates among younger adults in Barrow.
Among people aged 18 to 24, the Universal Credit claimant rate is 16.5%.
For those aged 25 to 34, the rate rises to 22.2%.
Among 35 to 44-year-olds, the rate is 26.1%.
All of these rates are above the national average for those age groups.
This suggests that health-related barriers to work are affecting people across a wide age range.
It also raises questions about early support, mental health services, training, accessible jobs and help for people who have never been able to enter stable employment.
Changes to Universal Credit Health Payments
Changes to the Universal Credit health element came into effect on April 6, 2026.
Existing claimants who were already entitled to the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity payment before the changes are expected to keep the higher rate.
However, new claimants may receive a lower amount unless they meet certain criteria.
The changes have caused concern among disability rights groups and advice organisations.
They worry that some vulnerable people may receive less financial support at a time when living costs remain high.
For people with health conditions, the timing of a claim may now make a difference to how much support they receive.
Why the Figures Matter
When large numbers of working age residents are unable to work because of illness or disability, the effects are felt across the whole community.
Households may face financial pressure. Employers may struggle to recruit. Public services may face higher demand.
People affected by long-term health problems may also face isolation, stress and uncertainty about their future.
Support needs to focus on helping people improve their health, access suitable work where possible, and receive fair financial help when work is not realistic.
Wider Challenge for Barrow
The figures show that Barrow continues to face a major health and employment challenge.
Nearly one in 10 working-age residents claiming Universal Credit on health grounds is a significant figure.
It points to long-term issues that cannot be solved by benefit changes alone.
Improving health, access to services, skills, transport and suitable local jobs will all be important if Barrow is to reduce health-related worklessness in the years ahead.
