Labour preside over 50% rise in unemployment in Newcastle East in the last year (Greg Stone)

Labour preside over 50% rise in unemployment in Newcastle East in the last year

July 20, 2009 5:25 PM

labour still isn't working Newcastle East Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman Greg Stone has obtained official Government figures showing that unemployment in the Newcastle East constituency has risen by 50% in the twelve months between June 2008 and June 2009.

The male unemployment rate in the constituency is now greater than 1 in 8 adult males, and ranks in the worst 10% in England. Unemployment in the constituency stood at 2164 in June 2008 but has risen by a further 1080 to now stand at 3244.

Meanwhile male unemployment in Tyne Bridge constituency covering the West End and western Gateshead stands at 1 in 6, whilst Newcastle North has seen a 73% rise in unemployment numbers in the past 12 months.

Greg Stone, who is chair of the widely-commended Newcastle Futures project which helps unemployed people back into work, said "It is now clear that the effects of the recession are really hitting home in Newcastle East. For every person who unfortunately finds themselves out of work, there are more people who are concerned about their job security. Good work is being done by local agencies to tackle the problem but it is clear that there is a rapid upward trend in the unemployment rate.

"Labour ministers talk about creating jobs and helping people in the recession, yet the stark truth is that there has been a huge jump in unemployment in the last year. If it continues to rise at this level, it is entirely likely that unemployment will be higher at the next General Election than when Labour took office in 1997. As a result, dozens of Labour MPs and ministers will deserve to lose their jobs next May"

June 2009 unemployment figures (rise since June 08 in brackets)

Newcastle East: 3244 (+1080, 49.9% rise); male unemployment rate 12.8%

Newcastle North: 2145 (+911, 73.8% rise); male unemployment rate 9.3%

Newcastle Central: 2544 (+923, 56.8% rise); male unemployment rate 8.1%

Tyne Bridge: 3783 (+1214, 47.3% rise) ; male unemployment rate 16.5%