Andrew Dismore

Labour London Assembly Member Andrew Dismore described recent figures showing long term youth unemployment rising by 900% in Barnet as alarming, given the number of jobs available falling substantially. Across London long-term youth unemployment rose by 4.9%.

Despite a marginal decrease in the rate of unemployment across London, unemployment overall across Londonis still higher than the same time last year and significantly higher than before May 2010. The amount of available jobs advertised is also down 12.8% on last month alone.  In addition people who are in work are continuing to see their income in real wage terms reduced, as increases in average earnings still trail behind inflation.

Figures released on Wednesday show that in Barnet:

– Long term youth unemployment has risen by 900% since the 2010 General Election

– There are 1720 long term unemployed people in the borough.

– There are only 1189 job vacancies in the borough.

– AcrossLondonthere are 63,120 people chasing 37,368 jobs

Labour London Assembly Member Andrew Dismore said: “The slight reduction in unemployment is welcome, however more needs to be done to tackle youth unemployment and job creation. There has been a significant reduction in the number of jobs available, meaning that more and more people are chasing fewer jobs. The Mayor and government need to bring forward a plan for jobs and growth to get people back to work. They could start with a tax on bankers’ bonuses to fund work placements for young unemployed people.”

“Mayor Boris Johnson promised that he would tackle the continuing crisis over the lack of available jobs. So far all we have seen is Mayor Johnson going on holiday toNew York, meanwhile ordinary Londoners are struggling.”

Ends

Notes:

1. Andrew Dismore is the Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet & Camden
2. JobSeekers Allowance and vacancy statistics can be found at www.nomisweb.co.uk