Lib-Dem hits out over unemployment

THE latest jobless figures show that that Government is out of touch with the economic situation facing people in the Oldham area, according to Lib-Dem Parliamentary spokesperson Elwyn Watkins.

Yesterday’s figures show that the total unemployment in the Oldham local authority area was 8.1 per cent, the second highest rate in Greater Manchester, he said.

There were 4,473 people (3.4 per cent) claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in October, 2008 — 769 more than a year earlier.

He added: “These figures show that Government claims about there being plenty of jobs available are fanciful. There are now only three jobs for every four people of working age in the Oldham area. Of the few jobs available, many are not enough to keep a family.

“This news comes at a time when the European Commission has warned that the UK economy is likely to shrink by 2.8 per cent this year, which is much worse than the Chancellor has predicted, and much worse than the rest of Europe.

“The Government is unfortunately right about Britain being in a unique position regarding the worldwide recession — a uniquely bad position, which will be devastating for the people in places like Oldham, Shaw, Saddleworth and Lees.”