Increase In Wrexham Jobseekers Described As Deeply Worrying

A rise of almost 200 people claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance in Wrexham during the last month has been described as “deeply worrying” by the town’s MP.

Figures released today show that the number of people claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance in Wrexham during January was 1,932, almost 200 up from December 2011 which saw 1,740 claimants, an increase of approximately 11%.

The number of claimants has hit its highest level since March 2010, almost two years ago.

As a percentage the number of people claiming JSA in the town currently stands at 4.3%, above the UK average of 4%, but slightly below the Welsh national average of 4.4%.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas said: “This rise is deeply worrying for Wrexham. This is a direct consequence of wrong Tory policy which is depressing our economy.

“It is important that people know there is help out there, such as the Welsh Jobs Fund for young people, or the Prime of Life project for those over 50.

“However, it is also important that the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats wake up to the impact their policies are having right across the UK.

“They claim to want people off benefits and back into work, their policies are having the opposite effect. They claim to want to cut the deficit, but fewer people paying income tax will have the opposite effect.

“The government should look at its policies and change course.”

A breakdown of the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in Wrexham can be viewed here http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/wpca/1929380377/subreports/jsa_time_series/report.aspx

What do you think can be done to boost employment in Wrexham? Leave your thoughts in the comment box below.