The number of benefits claimants in Hertsmere increased by 142 per cent during the first half of the year, according to a new report.

Data in a Citizens Advice report reveals that there was a rapid rise in people in the borough claiming Universal Credit from January to June.

Chief executive officer, Carolyn Buller, said the organisation had an "unprecedented spike" in the demand for advice on redundancy and benefits and that a number of clients that they've been working with live in areas such as Borehamwood, Cowley Hill and Potters Bar.

The report revealed that from January there were 3,073 claimants in Hertsmere and this rose to 7,427 by June. But one of the main groups that became dependent on benefits during this time were those under 25.

The figures found that people aged 19 to 24 who claim unemployment-related benefits increased by 231 per cent between March and July and Ms Buller said one reason for this could be the lack of job security within this demographic.

She said: "The reason under 25's have been disproportionately affected is because they are more likely to have unsecure employment and work in the areas like retail and hospitality which have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

"In our area they also have high housing and living costs and are entitled to lower rate of benefits than over 25's. Many are being pushed into serious poverty."

The report also outlined that there was surge of people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and those with caring responsibilities claiming.

Ms Buller said she is expecting the figures to increase and said the demand for universal credit is not equal and that people who were on lower incomes and insecure work arrangements before lockdown had been hit the hardest.

Data from the Department for Work and Pension has also revealed that areas covered by the Watford postcode also saw an increase in the amount of claimants during the same period.

From January there were 878 claimants and this steadily increased until March where during one week there was a total of 3,396 claimants. This hit a peak in April with the total number of people claiming universal credit stood at 5,734 and dropped to 1,181 in June.