Unemployment a top priority - Hughes

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 19th Aug 2009

Simon Hughes, MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey, today expressed concern at the rising levels of unemployment in his constituency and across the country.

Commenting on the unemployment figures released last week, Mr Hughes said that "tackling unemployment must be a top priority".

"Our community has been badly hit. I am seeing more and more local people who are asking me for help with employment and claiming financial support. In our area, over the last year, we have seen nearly a 50% rise in the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance. Although the number of people in North Southwark and Bermondsey (4.4%) claiming JSA is slightly below the national average (4.9%), this rise is still extremely worrying."

The latest national statistics show a sharp rise in unemployment as the economic recession bites. There are now around 2.4 million Britons out of work across the country.  "Unemployment rates are now far higher than when Labour came to power 12 years ago. The economic failures of this government are there for everyone to see", commented Mr Hughes.

"I am particularly concerned at the extremely high numbers of young people out of work. Like the Thatcher governments of the 1980s, Labour risks losing a generation of young people to unemployment. It is clear to me that the government is not doing enough to support young people with training and apprenticeships for their careers. We must do all we can to help our young people find jobs during this difficult time.

In September, I will be hosting an employment surgery to help people in my constituency who are struggling to find work. Anyone who is interested in attending should contact my office to book an appointment."

Simon Hughes' office can be contacted by phone on 0207 232 2557 or by email simon@simonhughes.org.uk.