HC Deb 20 December 1989 vol 164 c310W
Dr. Marek

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the rate of unemployment benefit in St. Helena, what is its purchasing power; and what are the equivalent figures for the United Kingdom.

Mr. Sainsbury

The weekly rates of unemployment benefit in St. Helena are £14.60 for a married couple and £10.90 for a single person. In addition, claimants receive 75 per cent. rent rebate and a weekly allowance in respect of each dependent child; the rates are £1.55 for a child aged 10 or less, and £1.95 for a child aged 11 or over. The basic weekly income of a labourer in the public sector is £36.95.

The weekly rate of unemployment benefit in the United Kingdom for a single person is £34.70. A married person, who also claims successfully for their spouse, receives an additional £21.40 per week. The average gross weekly income of all adults in full-time employment is £239.70.