The Department for Work and Pensions has revealed how it is helping people who are able to work find employment over the festive season. As of August 2025, there were 5,150 people in Swindon and 7,035 people in the rest of Wiltshire claiming Universal Credit, which is a three per cent drop year-on-year for both statistics. This included a large number of young people aged 18 to 24 – 975 in Swindon and 1,380 in wider Wiltshire, which is 15 and 17 per cent more, respectively, than in August 2024. This news comes as Jobcentres across Wiltshire work with businesses to help fill seasonal roles. Customers will be invited to go along and meet with the companies face to face to discuss the vacancies and their suitability for them.