News

Latest figures show rise in unemployment

By Stephen Lloyd
September 20, 2011

UNEMPLOYMENT continues to rise in North East Hampshire.

According to recently published official figures, there were 1,746 people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) in Aldershot and Farnborough – 43 more than the previous month.

Rushmoor continues to have an above average claimant rate for the region, with 2.8% on the dole. The average for the South East is 2.5%.

Even in Hart, which has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, there was a rise in the jobless total, with 758 people claiming JSA.

However, the Fleet and Yateley areas still have a below average claimant rate of 1.3%.

In Surrey Heath constituency, which covers Camberley, there were 1,282 people claiming JSA, while in Bracknell Forest, which covers Sandhurst, there were 1,647.

Unemployment across the UK increased by 80,000 over the quarter to reach 2.51 million, the largest increase since the three months to August 2009.

The number of unemployed men increased by 39,000 on the quarter to reach 1.45 million, while the number of unemployed women rose by 41,000 to 1.06 million, the highest figure since the three months to April 1988.

Unemployment in the 18 to 24 age group rose by 77,000 to 769,000, while the number of people working part-time because they could not find a full-time job increased by 70,000 to reach 1.28 million, the highest figure since comparable records began in 1992.

Ken Moon, chairman of the Wessex region of the Federation of Small Businesses covering Hampshire, said: “Our members have told us that they want to employ but do not have the resources to do so.

“So now with unemployment at 2.51 million, it is vital that the government creates an environment for growth. Simply cutting is not working, we need to see more investment.

“We need to see Work Trials extended to the first day that someone signs on for Jobseeker's allowance to improve business confidence when taking on staff and the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme should also be made available to suitable candidates immediately to encourage self-employment.

“The graduate internship needs to reinstated to prevent a lost decade for our youth, and the National Insurance Holiday must be extended to existing businesses.

“Until the government put simple measures like this in place, small businesses will not be able to help create jobs, growth and wealth.”

Wendy Bell, chief executive of North Hampshire Enterprise covering Hart and Rushmoor, said she expected unemployment to peak at 2.62 million,or 8.2% of the workforce, in the fourth quarter of 2012.

“The national statistics show a worrying increase in youth unemployment, with the quarterly rise occurring mainly in those between the ages of 18-24,” she added.

“These figures reinforce the need for the government to help the private sector to create more jobs.

“Reducing red tape, and creating a skills system that provides the right candidates for firms, will aid businesses in increasing their workforce.”

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The DWP Jobcentre Plus are inepts from the IDS, Permanent Secretary, CEO, down to the minions who are only capable of ticking boxes and getting claimants fortnightly signatures.

unhappy (now disgusted)
26/09/2011 at 23:48

Tinks, you are so right. Also, The QEB development is starting and soon 4,500 new homes wilkl be built in Aldershot - new homes are needed for local people but these and the many other developments will see an influx of people from outside the area. I reckon its only going to get harder to find work. But on the positive side, we are better off in this area than many others.

As for comments on the benefits system - I think benefits are a joke. Benefits are supposed to be a safety net but in fact they provide a lifestyle alternative for the undeserving and the workshy. beBause of this there is noithing in the kitty for those who have worked hard all their lives but have the misfortune to become ill or be made redundant.

Is it any wonder there is so much tax avoidance when so many resent seeing how their tax contributions are being spent.

pjt
26/09/2011 at 13:07

Hello ScholarMince I have hardly any savings but because my husband gets more than £157 a week I cannot claim anything at all - been to citizens advice so many times that i have given up. Pay full tax and national insurance for 31 years then told not entitled to nothing at all - did you know if i was un married i would get help but because I am married I don't get nothing - where's the justice in that? so all you married women don't go ill and try and claim anything because if you husband gets more than £157.00 a week you won't get no help.

Aldershot Born
26/09/2011 at 11:34

"Aldershot Born" (I was too) there are two types of unemployment benefit, contribution-based and income-based. When the first expired your Son could of claimed the second, however if he had a lot of savings or other income he may not of qualified. As for your own situation you need to go to Citizens Advice Bureau. There is no such thing as entitled to nothing unless as mentioned you have large savings or other income you will be entitled to Income Support.

ScholarMince
23/09/2011 at 21:54

My son was made redunant a couple of weeks ago paid his way since leaving school 10 years ago - got a letter from jobcentre told they will only pay him benefit until feb 2012 because he hasn't got enough insurance to cover him for any further claims after that! so 10 years only gets you 5months of JSA? - lUCKY HE HAS JUST GOT HIMSELF A JOB ISN'T IT?

Aldershot Born
21/09/2011 at 16:59

Hello Tinks I do agree with you but I have one thing to add this doesn't include those who are ill with cancer [I cannot claim anything at all - been living on nothing for 3 years so far, no help what so ever! worked up till 2007 paid full tax and national insurance for 31 years and told when I had cancer that I wasn't enntitled to anything at all. born in aldershot lived in aldershot worked here also and told not entitled to nothing at all. And yet more to come for others if following story is anything to go by:- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-14999755. The situation in Rushmoor is only going to get worse - or do the locals have to move out?.

Aldershot Born
21/09/2011 at 16:55

Good post Tinks....................now wait for SGi and Mark of Hants to brand you a racist BNP thug for having such outrageous views.

doormon, Aldershot
21/09/2011 at 11:20

its not just a rise in unemployment though is it ? how on earth are there supposed to be enough jobs with all of the extra people living in aldershot and Farnborough ? there weren't enough jobs in the first place without the added extra stress on the councils, health and social security.....