South Cumbrian MPs have reacted to the latest national jobs figures that were released this week showing unemployment is at a record near five-year high.
Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, and Michelle Scrogham, MP for Barrow and Furness, have both commented on the figures.
On Tuesday (February 17), it was announced that the unemployment rate had risen in the three months to December by 5.2 per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Additionally, youth unemployment figures were at their highest in more than ten years – they grew to just over 16 per cent.
Youth unemployment figures represent those aged between 16 and 24 who are out of work.
Mr Farron said: “The Chancellor’s decision to raise taxes on employers has had a devasting impact on unemployment in Cumbria and across the country.
“The fact that 1 in 20 people of working age aren’t able to find a job is tragic for them and their family.
“The Government must reverse their appalling tax hike on businesses before this situation gets even worse.”
Meanwhile, Mrs Scrogham, a Labour MP, was more positive about the announcement.
The Barrow MP said: “Tackling youth unemployment is an absolute priority for this Government, and the figures published today show we are already seeing the positive impact across South Cumbria of the work that is happening.
“We are seeing a continued reduction of the unemployment rates locally, and we now have just 2.4% of the working age population, claiming unemployment-related benefits which is down 13% over the year.
“Clearly we want to get that rate even lower.”
Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, said there was still ‘more to do to get people into jobs’.
He also said that Labour’s £1.5 billion investment into tackling youth unemployment ‘is a key priority’ moving forward.
In other ONS figures published this week, it was revealed that the Westmorland and Furness local authority had 2,460 people claiming Job Seekers Allowance or Universal Credit as of February this year - 200 people less than this time last year.
These statistics are what are called 'official statistics in development'.
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