Local unemployment figures still 'way too high' says MP

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams says the unemployment figures for 18-24 year olds in her constituency are 'way too high'.

The MP was speaking after data released by the House of Commons Library shows there were 795 people aged 18-24 claiming unemployment support in May 2022, across Oldham East and Saddleworth. The figures represent 9.2% of the local population compared to the UK rate of 4.6%.

Across all age groups, there were 4,445 claimants across the constituency in May 2022 - 1,110 more people than in March 2020 before the first lockdown.

Ms Abrahams said the Government were 'complacent' about the latest statistics.  

"With the cost of living crisis really beginning to bite and inflation at the highest level for 40 years, the Government has shown utter complacency about the levels of unemployment, especially for younger people, which are still way too high.”

"In contrast to the Government’s inaction, Labour will reform employment support to help people return to work, tackle the rising the cost of living, and build a prosperous economy with quality well-paid jobs."

The claimant rate across both Oldham constituencies is almost twice the national average.

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