The government's controversial universal credit system comes into full force across Kent from today as the number of people on unemployment benefits in the county continues to rise.

The scheme has just become available to claimants served by jobcentres in Maidstone and Tonbridge and Malling, which are the final two districts to take up the benefit in the county.

It comes as the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show there were 875 more people on unemployment benefits in the county in October compared to the previous month.

In all, 23,080 people claimed either jobseeker's allowance or universal credit last month, with the highest number of claimants in Thanet - up 105 to 4,125 - and Medway - up 210 to 3,860.

Universal credit is aimed at simplifying six benefits into one monthly payment but many people have complained about delayed payments and being forced to use food banks while waiting for the new payments to arrive.

It pays people in and out of work as well as those on low incomes and with disabilities, which has caused a huge rise in the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in Kent because it pays many people who are in some form of employment.

Universal credit had already been rolled out in Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Gravesham, Medway, Sevenoaks, Shepway, Swale and Thanet.

Tunbridge Wells also joins the system from today as people living there are served by the Tonbridge Jobcentre.

David Crumley, partnership manager for Ashford, Folkestone and Dover Jobcentres, said: “Universal credit offers tailored support, which includes more personalised help from a work coach.

"The new system is also more flexible, which means people can take on short-term work to develop their skills and build up their experience.

“Our staff are trained to support people throughout the claim process. We’d encourage anyone who needs extra help or information to come and talk to their work coach.”