Greg Mulholland-Working Hard For Leeds North WestUNPROCESSED DOLE CLAIMS IN LEEDS RISE 109% IN A YEAR
November 21, 2008 7:38 PM
Figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats have revealed that the number of unprocessed Jobseeker's Allowance claims in Leeds has more than doubled in the past year - rising from 541 to 1,128, a rise of 109%.
This is part of a nationwide trend showing that JobCentre Plus is struggling to cope with increasing unemployment while the Government continues to close Jobcentres, 41 have been closed since 2007. Since 2002 more than 500 Jobcentre Plus offices have closed and over 17,000 full time Jobcentre Plus jobs have been cut over the last four years
Commenting Greg Mulholland MP said:
"These figures are clearly very concerning.
"Across the city, we have already seen unemployment levels rising, and those who do lose their jobs may be dependent on the Jobseeker's Allowance to live on. Delays at the Jobcentre cannot be allowed to hold up this vital lifeline
"Action is clearly needed, starting with the Government stopping any more planned JobCentre Plus closures or further staff cuts, and it must recruit more Jobcentre staff as soon as possible."
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. Please find a full breakdown of the figures on the spreadsheet attached, which details the regional breakdown of outstanding jobseekers allowance claims. The figures have been obtained from a series of parliamentary questions.
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