The number of people on Job Seekers Allowance rose by 34 to 1,316 or 2.8% in July 2009 compared to 1,282 or 2.7% in June. This is a 119% increase from July last year when there were 600 job seekers. In the last three months 40 additional people have signed up for job seekers allowance. The number of open positions has remained the same at 217, meaning that there are 6.1 people chasing every job, compared to 1.7 last July.
The number of people out of work for more than 12 months has also risen by 85%, from 35 people a year ago to 65 people now.
Harriett Baldwin said, "The job market in West Worcestershire continues to be better than the national picture. However, I remain particularly concerned about school leavers and other young people who are coming on to the job market now. In addition, QinetiQ, the largest employer in West Worcestershire, is suffering from falling MoD spending and is discussing redundancies in Malvern."
"I met with Regional Job Centre management last week and they emphasised that there are local vacancies, particularly in care work and hairdressing. There are also training opportunities, especially for those who have been out of work for more than 13 weeks."
"Real long term recovery for employment will only come about through business stabilisation, then expansion. Conservatives are proposing a big, bold National Loan Guarantee Scheme to get credit flowing. Conservatives are also proposing tax incentives for small businesses that create jobs; tax cuts for small businesses and cuts in National Insurance costs for small business."