Job search fear

THERE are almost 15 times more people out of work in Oldham than there are jobs available, according to the Liberal Democrats.

They have obtained figures from the Government which show that around 4,560 are currently looking for work in the Oldham East and West constituencies, which does not include parts of Failsworth.

However, they found only 313 jobs available.

Elwyn Watkins, parliamentary spokesman for Oldham East and Saddleworth said: “Either the jobs are not there, or they aren’t being advertised where they are needed.

“The type of jobs available is even more worrying — only 62 jobs currently unfilled in the Oldham area are full-time and permanent.”

“With nearly 15 jobseekers for each vacancy, people are going to really struggle to find the jobs they urgently need.

“We must make sure that Jobcentres can offer people walking through the door access to all the jobs available.

However, rather than provide help, ministers have in fact slashed the number of Jobcentres in this country.”