Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many of those aged 18 to 24 who started a Universal Credit claim in the 12 months to May 2026 had PAYE employment earnings recorded through HMRC's Real Time Information system in (1) at least one month, (2) at least three months, and (3) at least six months, of the 12 months preceding the start of their claim; and how many had PAYE employment earnings recorded in each of at least six consecutive months during that period.

Of the 440,000 people aged 18 to 24 who started a Universal Credit claim in the 12 months to May 2026:

(1) 202,000 had PAYE employment earnings recorded through HMRC's Real Time Information system in at least one month of the 12 months preceding the start of their claim.

(2) 154,000 had PAYE employment earnings recorded through HMRC's Real Time Information system in at least three months of the 12 months preceding the start of their claim.

(3) 57,000 had PAYE employment earnings recorded through HMRC's Real Time Information system in at least six months of the 12 months preceding the start of their claim. 42,000 had PAYE employment earnings recorded in each of at least six consecutive months during that period.

Notes:

1. A starter to Universal Credit is defined as an individual who has completed the Universal Credit claim process and accepted their Claimant Commitment.
2. Figures are rounded to the nearest 1,000.