Unemployment 'rising by 40 per cent'

Wednesday, 8 October 2008 8:00 AM

Unemployment has risen by up to 40 per cent in some constituencies, according to figures released by the Conservatives.

Analysis by the House of Commons library of the latest unemployment figures reveals over 100 constituencies where unemployment has risen by 20 per cent or more in the last year, including four constituencies where unemployment has risen by over 40 per cent since 2007.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Chris Grayling, said: "We want to see better protection for otherwise sound businesses that fall into short term difficulties, and we think ministers should accelerate their plans for welfare reform to give those who do lose their jobs much better back to work support.

"There is no time to be lost."

Birmingham Ladywood has the highest rate of unemployment in the UK at almost 20 per cent.

Financial instability continued to plague world markets yesterday, with the prime minister and the chancellor going to meet the governor of the Bank of England in the evening.

The Conservatives called a special debate in the House of Commons to press the government over unemployment.

Tags:
• economy
,
• employment
,
• unemployment