THE number of people receiving Universal Credit in Wales has reached 137,000.

On the Isle of Anglesey the figure was 2109 and in Gwynedd it was 3434.

In Denbighshire, some 4689 people are receiving the support and in Conwy it was 4766.

In Wales, the highest figures recorded were in Cardiff with 17540, and Swansea at 12716.

Data released by the Department for Work and Pensions in December showed that 2.7 million people across Britain were now receiving the support.

The DWP say the statistics represent a 5% increase on the previous month.

The figures also come after the UK employment rate rose to a new record high of 76.2%.

Unemployment levels remained at 3.8%. Universal Credit is available in jobcentres across the UK.

It replaces six previous benefits with a single monthly payment and is available to people who are out of work or on a low income.

Minister for Welfare Delivery Will Quince said that Universal Credit provided a 'vital safety net' for people who are out of work or on low wages across Wales and that "significant improvements" had been made in the past year."

Huw Thomas, DWP Group Partnership Manager for Wales said:

“Unlike the old system, Universal Credit is a flexible benefit that can be tailored to an individual’s needs and circumstances."

For more information on Universal Credit visit www.understanding universalcredit.gov.uk