The number of people claiming Universal Credit in Monklands - and North Lanarkshire as a whole - continues to rise.
Airdrie & Shotts saw 8797 claims made as of May 13, which was a rise of 89 on the previous month.
The neighbouring Coatbridge, Bellshill & Chryston ward's 9449 claims was an increase of 29 from April.
North Lanarkshire's 34,452 claims amounted to a 246 rise on the previous month's figures.
Responding to the statistics, Will Quince, Minister for Welfare Delivery, said: “Universal Credit continues to support those most in need, and claimants are benefiting from individual tailored support to help them back into work, boosted by our multi-billion pound Plan for Jobs.”
The numbers claiming Universal Credit do not necessarily indicate a corresponding rise in unemployment as the benefit is designed to adapt to changing circumstances.
It tops up income if earnings drop, so not every new claimant will have lost their job.
