THE number of Yorkshire and Humberside public sector workers on Universal Credit has rocketed more than 220 per cent since the start of the pandemic, new analysis shows.

Between late 2019 and the end of 2022, the number of public sector workers in receipt of Universal Credit in the region has risen by 10,860.

GMB union analysis of ONS Labour Force Survey data shows in the fourth quarter of 2019, 4,887 Yorkshire and Humberside public sector workers were in receipt of Universal Credit.

By the fourth quarter of 2022, that number increased to 15,747.

The findings are revealed in a special report to GMB’s annual Congress, held on June 6.

Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said: “It’s a stain on the honour of our nation so many public sector staff have to rely on working benefits to get by.

“NHS staff, care workers, school staff and the council workers who keep Yorkshire and Humberside’s towns and cities alive.

“Surely these people should be paid enough to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads without relying on Universal Credit.

“Instead, the numbers are rocketing. It’s a disgrace.

“If the past 12 months of industrial action have taught us anything, it’s that people in Yorkshire and Humberside are refusing to take in-work poverty lying down.”