DOLE QUEUES CONTINUE TO GROW IN STOCKPORT

12.29.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 3rd Aug 2009

Stockport's dole queues have lengthened by almost a quarter since January to over 8,000. Now Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell says the Government must act fast to halt the rise in job losses and home repossessions in the town.

There are now 8,078 people claiming Job Seekers' Allowance in Stockport, up from 6,539 in January, a rise of 1,539 in the last six months. Unemployment in the borough is now at a higher level than before Labour came to power in 1997, after the ravages of 18 years of Tory government.

Commenting, Andrew Stunell said:

"Despite some sterling work by local businesses and the Council, these figures show that the recession is continuing to hit Stockport hard as more jobs and homes are being lost. It is clear to me that the Labour government has failed Stockport, and isn't doing anything like enough to help.

"It is vital that the Government offers help to the millions who are struggling to keep their heads above water. Income tax should be cut, and the banks must pass on the cuts in interest rates to reduce the cost of borrowing and keep people in their homes, and businesses open.

"The Prime Minister promised to abolish boom and bust, yet for the people of Stockport its unemployment that's booming, and their businesses that are going bust.

"The banks have had their bail-out, how much longer must ordinary people wait for theirs?"

ENDS