Oldham jobless outstrips region average

THE percentage of people claiming out-of-work benefits in Oldham continues to be higher than that in the North-West — as unemployment reaches a 17-year high.

Figures released yesterday by the Office of National Statistics show there are currently 6,985 people claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) across Oldham compared, with 6,798 the previous month.

It means 5.1 per cent of people able to work are claiming the benefits, compared with 4.2 per cent in the North-West and 3.8 per cent across the country.

Nationally, the total claiming JSA fell by 10,200 last month to 1.45 million, the biggest reduction since last June. However, overall UK unemployment rose by 27,000 in the three months to the end of January to 2.53 million — the worst figure since 1994.

Works and Pensions Secretary Chris Grayling said: “There is good news and bad news in these figures. There’s been a welcome drop in the number of people on benefits, and the increase in full-time private-sector jobs is a step in the right direction.

“But the rise in overall unemployment is a real concern and underlines the need to press ahead with policies which will further stimulate growth in the private sector. For those on benefits that are now looking to make the transition into the workplace our new Work Programme will provide tailored support to get them into jobs.”

Ministers have repeatedly said that the UK economy faces significant challenges ahead and by reducing the deficit, encouraging private-sector firms to create jobs and giving jobseekers the best possible back to work support, people will get back into work.

Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Liam Byrne said: “Fifteen months after the recession ended unemployment has hit a 17-year high and youth unemployment has hit the highest level ever. All over Britain, families now face a summer of struggle and the Tory-led Government has got to step in to help. You can’t get the deficit down without getting people into work and paying taxes.

“Instead the Tory-led Government seems bent on raiding family budgets starting in April and costing families £1.4 billion, and they’re actually closing the Future Jobs Fund at the end of the month.

“This is a decisive step in the wrong direction. We need a sensible, fair tax on bankers’ bonuses to provide over 100,000 jobs for young people and a proper plan for growth. With five people now chasing every vacancy we need radical action to get people back to work.”

Latest figures show there are 634 jobs being advertised on Job Centre Plus boards across Oldham.