Oldham MP 'deeply worried' by rising unemployment figures

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams

Data released by the House of Commons Library shows there were 3,260 more people claiming unemployment support in February 2021 across the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency than there were in February 2020, before the first lockdown in March last year.

Young people remain disproportionately affected with 1,360 claimants aged 18-24 in February, nearly double the number (710) in February 2020.

In total 6,465 people were claiming unemployment social security support in the constituency in February this year, which was 9.8% of the population aged 16-64 - the equivalent UK claimant rate was 6.5%.

Responding to the local data, Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams said: "It is deeply worrying that unemployment in Oldham East and Saddleworth continues to rise, and is at a higher level than the rest of the country. 

"These are not just numbers. 

"Every increase in unemployment is a person whose financial security has been turned upside down. 

“The Government has presided over widening regional inequalities over the 10 years or so, with low wage growth across the country, but especially in areas in the North like Oldham.  

“We entered the Covid pandemic as one of the most unequal countries in Europe, with many families struggling to make ends meet.

"Two in five working people had less than £100 in savings, putting them and their families at risk if an unexpected bill lands or they become unemployed.

"Too many people are still in insecure work with only 30% of workers feeling financially secure.

“The Government should back Labour’s plan to secure the economy, rebuild stronger and fairer, with a relentless focus on jobs, growth and protecting family finances. 

"These must be quality, well paid jobs, focusing on growing new jobs in the green economy, whilst providing training to help with developing new skills.”

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