Unemployment in the Kingdom up by 39% in 12 months (North Tayside Liberal Democrats)

North Tayside Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Unemployment in the Kingdom up by 39% in 12 months

December 17, 2008 6:38 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

The latest figures on the numbers of people claiming unemployment benefit in the UK have revealed that there has been a massive 39% increase over the past 12 months in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Dunfermline and West Fife.

The figures, which have been published today, reveal that a total of 1,820 people in Dunfermline and West Fife are now claiming unemployment benefit. The 39% increase over the past 12 months is one of the largest increases in Scotland, and comes on the back of figures showing a 43% drop in the number of new businesses starting up in the Kingdom.

Commenting after the latest statistics were published local MP Mr Rennie said:

"These figures are yet more proof, if it were needed, of the impact of the economic downturn on the Fife economy. There can be no doubt now that our economy is shrinking, but what is most concerning is that it seems to be shrinking at a faster rate than other areas.

"One of the particular challenges we are facing in the Kingdom is that, when redundancies are made, those who have lost their jobs are often having to travel great distances to look for alternative employment.

"Sadly, the situation is being exacerbated by the Government who, rather than offering support, have decided instead to cut local jobs in the civil service. This is just not good enough. We need a firm action plan to boost the economy through these difficult times. A feeble cut in VAT is just not going to do the trick."