Dole numbers to double at Christmas
Dole numbers to double at Christmas
Wednesday 23rd December 2009
The number of people spending their second successive Christmas on the dole is set to double, the TUC has declared.Analysis of labour market statistics apparently shows the number of people claiming Jobseeker's allowance for over 12 months has increased from 103,930 in December 2008 to 201,015 in November 2009.
The number of long-term dole claimants will also continue to rise into the new years, the trade union body claims.
The TUC research has revealed 58 local authority areas already have over 1,000 long-term claimants, compared to 19 this month last year.
The TUC also claims people spending their second Christmas on the dole will struggle to make their benefits stretch to provide an enjoyable festive celebration.
Researchers also point to the fact most long-term unemployed do not claim the dole, with the number of people out of work for at least a year standing at 620,000 in October.
Figures released this month show there at 2.49 million currently unemployed across the country.
Commenting on the figures, TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "The festive period is an expensive time of year and the 200,000 people spending their second Christmas on the dole face even greater financial hardship.
"While millions of working families are enjoying their Christmas food and presents together, those reliant on JSA will struggle to afford much Christmas cheer. Every job loss is a human tragedy, but when people are out of work for over a year they risk being permanently scarred by joblessness.
"Government investment has kept unemployment well below the levels reached in previous recessions, but there can be no room for complacency. The government should extend its job guarantee for young people to anyone out of work for 18 months to stop people getting mired in semi-permanent joblessness."
Related News
FTSE continues steady gains in early trading - 23/12/09
The FTSE 100 continued to make steady gains this morning, building on an impressive start to the week
The FTSE 100 continued to make steady gains this morning, building on an impressive start to the week
FTSE ascent slows by Tuesday close - 22/12/09
The FTSE 100 again closed up today, although at a slower rate of growth compared to Monday
The FTSE 100 again closed up today, although at a slower rate of growth compared to Monday
OFT drops bank charges investigation - 22/12/09
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced it is to drop its investigation into the use of bank overdraft charges
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has announced it is to drop its investigation into the use of bank overdraft charges
House prices predicted to rise in 2010 - 22/12/09
House prices are predicted to rise by one to two per cent by the end of next year, compared to their current level, according to a latest forecast
House prices are predicted to rise by one to two per cent by the end of next year, compared to their current level, according to a latest forecast
Revised GDP causes FTSE 100 to rise - 22/12/09
The FTSE 100 appeared unaffected by the severe weather affecting the majority of the country on Tuesday morning opening strongly in early trading
The FTSE 100 appeared unaffected by the severe weather affecting the majority of the country on Tuesday morning opening strongly in early trading
News Article Search
Quick Apply
News Archive