Rt. Hon. John F. Spellar MP

Unemployment Hits New 17 Year High nationally and Long Term Youth Unemployment Almost Doubles in Warley

Figures released today by the ONS show that unemployment has risen to a 17 year high. The overall claimant count has risen to 1,568,849 nationally and 4,182 in Warley constituency. In addition to this the level of long term youth unemployment in Warley has almost doubled, increasing by 86% in the past year.

Commenting on today’s unemployment statistics, John Spellar MP said:

“These figures are deeply concerning and show that we are facing an unemployment emergency.

“The number of claimants has risen across the board in the constituency and there are close to 10 people chasing every job. What is deeply concerning is that long term unemployment of young people aged 18-24 has risen 86% in the past year.

“The Government’s welfare to work programmes are failing and the taxpayer is footing the bill. By cutting too far too fast the Government have choked off growth and the recovery.

“This complacent Government must change course and take action now, they should adopt Labour’s 5 point plan for jobs and growth which would get our country moving again, help get people back to work and put Britain on the right course for the future.