MP CALLS FOR ACTION AS GREATER MANCHESTER'S LONG TERM JOBLESS COUNT RISES AGAIN

11.27.00am GMT Mon 25th Jan 2010

The rate of long-term unemployment has reached a ten year high across Greater Manchester, despite a drop in overall numbers on the dole according to new figures obtained by Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the number of people unemployed for more than 12 months has risen to 10,575, its highest level since March 1999. In Mr Stunell's own constituency of Hazel Grove there are now 220 people long-term unemployed, the worst figures since December 1997.

Mr Stunell described the news as a grim warning against any complacency over last autumn's slight fall in overall unemployment from around 82,500 in September 2009 to 80,750 in December, saying that "More needs to be done to help all those who are getting caught in long term unemployment, throughout Greater Manchester."

The news comes as Andrew Stunell and the Liberal Democrats unveiled plans to reduce long-term youth unemployment, by guaranteeing that all young people will get access to more training, education, an internship or a place on a work programme within their first 90 days on Jobseekers Allowance.

Commenting, Andrew Stunell said:

"Young people in particular are finding it difficult to find work, with many leaving school, college or university without the appropriate levels of training, expertise or the opportunity to get onto the lowest rung of the ladder.

"The Liberal Democrat's promise of more training, education, or work experience will give hope to the nearly one million young people across the country who currently can't find a job. We will also redirect over £3.6bn of spending to create more jobs and build up Britain's infrastructure, helping those of all ages who have been left stranded by the recession.

"With the economy beginning to show signs of recovery, we must act now to tackle the problem of long-term unemployment, before those who are caught up in it find themselves left behind."

ENDS