The number of people in Edmonton aged 25 and over claiming Job Seekers Allowance for more than two years has increased by 22 per cent.
Figures from the Labour Market Statistics may have revealed an overall drop in unemployment in Edmonton but they have revealed a rise in the number of those claiming for a long period of time.
Between December 2012 and December 2013, the number of people over 25 claiming JSAs for more than two years went from 500 to 610.
Edmonton MP Andy Love said: “I welcome any drop in unemployment locally but it is alarming that the number of over 25s claiming JSA for two years in Edmonton is rising substantially. It’s as if these people are being forgotten.
“Edmonton cannot wait any longer. The Government must act now before they condemn a whole generation to joblessness. Labour’s compulsory jobs guarantee would be the perfect starting point.”
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