TUC analysis shows that rising long-term unemployment is a problem throughout the country
The number of dole claimants in the South West who have been out of work for at least a year has increased by 1,400 since last year, according to a new TUC analysis of official statistics published today (Wednesday, December 21).
The number of long-term dole claimants over the Christmas period has more than doubled from 4,405 in 2007 to 10,785 today. Last Christmas, 9,375 people had been out of work for at least a year.
The TUC analysis shows that rising long-term unemployment is a problem throughout the country. The TUC is particularly concerned about rising long-term unemployment as it can permanently scar people’s career prospects and negatively affect their health. It believes that the government should prioritise providing tailored and well-funded support to help people back into training and work, rather than simply branding them as scroungers.
With unemployment rising and wages having fallen in real terms throughout the year, it’s not just those surviving on unemployment benefit who are set to face a touch Christmas this year, says the TUC. Millions of working families surviving on low wages are also set for a tough time.
The TUC is calling on employers to do their bit to end the poverty pay that contributes to over two million children in working households living in poverty, and for the government to prioritise tackling the UK’s jobs crisis.
Falling living standards has been the main cause of the flatlining of economic growth this year, says the TUC, and the government’s austerity measures are playing a key part in tightening this squeeze.
Wage-led growth, fuelled by decent pay rises and new high-quality jobs, is the only way to achieve a sustainable economic recovery and the government must make this its top priority in the new year, says the TUC.
Nigel Costley, regional secretary of the South West TUC, said: “As people gear up for the festive break, there won’t be much cheer for the quarter of a million people who are spending their second successive Christmas on the dole.
“The shocking rise in long-term unemployment is not just a personal tragedy for the families and friends of those unable to find jobs, it can affect entire communities and carries a huge economic cost.
“What’s most concerning is that as the dole queues mount, the government’s response has been to brand many of those struggling for work as scroungers.
“The TUC is calling on ministers to make a fresh start in 2012 and focus on tackling our mounting jobs crisis. The UK – one of the richest countries on the world – must not have the shame of millions of its own citizens facing poverty at Christmas with little or no pay.”
(from a press release)
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