Jobless total falls in East Lancashire (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Jobless total falls in East Lancashire

10:32am Wednesday 16th November 2011 in Blackpool By David Watkinson , Deputy news editor

THE number of people claiming job seeker's allowance has fallen in East Lancashire.

There are now 13,160 people on the unemployment benefit, down by 192 from the previous month, new figures released this morning show.

In Blackburn with Darwen the number of unemployed is now 4,345, down from 4,454. In Hyndburn it is 1,919, down by 32, and Ribble Valley it is down by 14 to 514.

The only borough to see a rise in people claiming job seeker's allowance is Pendle, which has gone up by six to 2,109.

In Burnley the figure is 2,598, down by 42, and in Rossendale the number has remained exactly the same at 1,675.

Youth unemployment, those aged between 18 and 24, has also fallen slightly by 30.

Across the UK, the unemployment rate among 16 to 24-year-olds is now 21.9%, also a record.

Employment Minister Chris Grayling said: "These figures show just how much our economy is being affected by the crisis in the eurozone.

"Our European partners must take urgent action to stabilise the position. Our challenge in the autumn statement will be to put in place additional measures to support growth and create employment opportunities, especially for young people."

Martina Milburn, chief executive of youth charity The Prince's Trust, said: "Today's figures are a wake-up call for Britain.

"It is critical to help young people into work for the future of our economy and society.

"It's time to redouble our efforts to ensure every young person, no matter what their background, is provided with the support they need and deserve."

Paul Kenny, general secretary of the GMB union, said: "The millions of workers without jobs face a miserable Christmas and a bleak new year.

"Instead of attacking pensions and employment rights and making it easier to sack people, the Government should be pursuing policies to create jobs which is something it is failing miserably to do."

Unite union general secretary Len McCluskey said: "The Government has created a lost generation of young people unable to gain a foothold on the employment ladder.

"Ministers need to create a land bridge of opportunity for young people - our youth unemployment rate is twice that of Germany."