North West unemployment rises by 24,000

Unemployment in the North West has risen again, new figures released yesterday (16 October) reveal.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed that in the North West, unemployment has risen by 24,000, meaning 294,000 (8.6%) people are now out of work. This is an increase of 2,000. This is despite a fall nationally in unemployment, something the North West TUC believe shows just how hard hit the region is.

Lynn Collins, NW TUC Regional Secretary, said, “The North West is feeling the effects of the government’s austerity agenda. It’s clear proof that more needs to be done and that the government’s plans just aren’t working. Despite cutting public sector jobs and the slow growing economy that isn’t creating the jobs the government predicted, the Coalition seems to have run out of ideas. We need an alternative economic model that delivers good sustainable jobs and we need a jobs guarantee for every unemployed young person.

"A rise in unemployment comes on top of a cost of living crisis, with rising costs alongside real term wage cuts and an increase in the use of food banks and pay day lenders. It’s difficult for anyone to claim that this is working for people in the North West.”