Winchester unemployment up again – with record high levels of long-term unemployed

The number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in the Winchester district rose again in January 2010 by 78 to 1,283 – the highest figure since August 2009 and the second highest figure since February 1997. This more than reversed the decline in December 2009.

The level of unemployment amongst the under 25s remained higher than any other age-group, although the increase in unemployment came mostly from people in their 40s and 50s.

The number of long-term unemployed (i.e. those claiming JSA for more than 12 months) rose 20 to 110, more than twice the level in December 2008 – and the highest figure since July 1999.

Martin Tod, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Winchester, commented:

“We’re not out of the woods yet. Although the unemployment figures were good for December, they’ve got worse in January.  There’s still a worryingly high level of unemployment amongst the young, and worrying increases amongst people in their 40s and 50s. It’s also a concern that increasing numbers of people have been unemployed for more than a year. The recovery is still very weak and there’s a real possibility that we could go back into recession. The last thing we need is a slash and burn approach to public spending, or we could end up seeing a bad situation get even worse.”