Rise in number claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Wirral (From Wirral Globe)

Rise in number claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in Wirral

11:23am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News By Craig Manning

THE number of people claiming Jobseekers' Allowance rose by more than 300 last month, according to figures out today.

Office for National Statistics figures out today show that 8292 people claimed the benefit in January compared to 7,859 the previous month, a rise of 373.

The number of claimants in Birkenhead increased by 157 on the previous month, taking the figure to 3,433.

Wirral South had a increase of 100 to 1,117 while there were 2,715 claimants in Wallasey, a climb of 92 from December. The number of Wirral West claimants rose by 24 to 1027.

Cllr Pat Hackett, cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy said: "After a steady fall in the numbers claiming jobseeker's allowance over the last few months it is disappointing to see this increase.

"Wirral still has the lowest rate of jobseeker’s allowance claimants in the Liverpool City Region, and we continue our work to create an environment that supports business growth.

"Last week’s announcement of a proposed automotive supply park is just one of the projects that will lead to new employment opportunities alongside the international trade centre."

Wirral South MP Alison McGovern said: "In Wirral South there were an extra 100 people claiming jobseekers allowance in January compared with December, and for each person affected, this will cause worry and concern.

"That's 100 extra families coping with the consequences of the Chancellor's economic mismanagement.

"David Cameron and George Osborne want to tax people for their spare bedrooms and cut tax credits that help working families.

"At the other end, they have given millionaires tax cuts and won’t consider a tax on mansions worth over £2 million.

"This tells you what you need to know about the priorities of this failing Government and their out-of-touch ministers.

"David Cameron has been in India this week for photo opportunities, trying to support British business.

"But when asked he couldn’t name a single Unilever brand – an important employer in my constituency. Persil, Sure, Comfort... these are household names.

"If the Prime Minister would like to visit Wirral South, we can show him some of the things that are made here.

"And after that we can cross the road and visit the JobCentre so he can meet the extra people on the dole because of his failing Government."

The ONS say nationally almost 30 million people were in work at the end of last year, an increase of 154,000 on the quarter to September, and the highest total since records began in 1971.

The number of people in full-time jobs increased by almost 200,000 at the end of last year to 21.6 million, while part-timers fell by 43,000 to just over eight million.

The number of self-employed workers increased by 25,000 to 4.2 million. Youth unemployment, counting 16 to 24-year-olds, rose by 11,000 to 974,000, the biggest increase since the start of last year.

Commenting on the latest Job figures, Wirral West MP, Esther McVey said: "Over the past year the UK’s unemployment rate has fallen faster than any other G7 country and over the same period the UK’s employment rate has also risen faster than any other G7 country.

"So whilst it is disappointing that the figures of those unemployed in Wirral has risen, we have to remember that is set against a backdrop of 10 consecutive months of unemployment falling.

"That said, nationally official figures show that Long-term unemployment fell by a further 15,000 this quarter and overall unemployment also fell by 14,000 to 2.5 million, and there are more people in work than ever before.

"The number of young people 16 -24 in work also rose by 66,000 and through the Youth Contract we are offering nearly 500,000 opportunities to young people over the next three years through work experience, apprenticeships and wage incentives for employers. 

"This Government remains committed to helping more people into work and the Coalition's Work Programme has already helped more than 200,000 people at risk of long-term unemployment off benefits and into a job."