According to official Government statistics there are almost 1000 people on Jobseekers Allowance in the South Lakes electoral area. Unemployment is worst in the winter months in our area, but with many businesses struggling the summer may not prove that hopeful for people out of work.

Each Jobseeker has to ‘sign on’ every 2 weeks and since the closure of rural Jobcentres, this means travelling to Kendal. There’s no help towards travel costs and we all know how expensive our buses and trains are. The standard rate of Jobseekers Allowance is £67.50 a week. Even if the average travel cost is as low as £5, this means 7.5% of the weekly budget is gone before putting food on the table. Across all Jobseekers, this could mean £10,000 of benefit income spent every 4 weeks simply going to Kendal Jobcentre.

We need better information to know how big the problem is. If you are a Jobseeker, please help us by answering 4 short questions. It’s easy to help: Use the link at www.cumbriaruralcab.org.uk or Pop into Windermere or Grange CAB and fill in the blue survey We will add up the cost and lobby for changes, to try and make things better.

Free, confidential advice and help is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau on any aspect of debt, benefits, employment, housing and any other problems. You can contact the Grange or Windermere Citizens Advice Bureau by phone or in person. Call 015395 33100 / 015394 46464 or www.cumbriaruralcab.org.uk