Local MP Norman Baker has called for greater support to be given to young people in long-term unemployment in the Lewes constituency after revealing that the number of people aged 16-24 claiming Jobseeker's Allowance for more than 6 months in the constituency has almost tripled in just two years.
The figures, revealed in an answer to a Parliamentary Question from the Lewes MP, show that towards the end of 2009, 85 people aged 16-24 had been claiming the benefit for more than 6 months in the Lewes constituency.
Just two years earlier, at the end of 2007, this figure stood at 30 people - meaning there has been a staggering 183% rise in the number of long-term unemployed young people in just two years. Similarly, the number of young people claiming for more than 12 months roughly doubled in the same period in the Lewes constituency, from 10 to 20.
Norman Baker commented:
"These figures show just how deeply the recession has hit in the Lewes constituency. It is extremely concerning that the number of young people in long-term unemployment has increased so markedly and so quickly.
"Unemployment assistance needs to be more personalised and Job Centre staff need to be given the resources necessary to help people get back on their feet quickly.
"It is vital that we prevent today's school and university leavers from becoming a lost generation of long-term unemployed.
"As well as greater support for unemployed people through Job Centres and better training, the government should invest in green jobs, as the Lib Dems will, to create vacancies in the Lewes constituency."
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