NEW figures have shown that there are 515 people in East Lancashire under 24 who are 'long-term unemployed'.

The stats show that there are hundreds of youngsters in the area who have been out of work for six months or more.

A new move to halt the high numbers of long-term unem-ployed has now been launched.

This week ministers announced that every young person who is unemployed for six months will be guaranteed the offer of a job, training or work experience.

The number of the long-term unemployed aged 18-24 in East Lancashire are as follows:

* Blackburn with Darwen - 165.

* Burnley - 95.

* Hyndburn - 85.

* Pendle - 85.

* Ribble Valley - 15.

* Rossendale - 70.

Ministers said the guarenteed job offer scheme would see new jobs created through the £1billion Future Jobs Fund.

There will also be extra training and support to get an existing job - with help especially targeted at key employment sectors with 'high levels of recruitment'.

So far, 50,000 employers nationwide have signed up to work with Jobcentre Plus through this partnership, ministers said.

Overall, latest data from the Office for National Statistics showed 14,713 people claiming Job Seeker's Allowance in East Lancashire, up from 14,675 in November.

This had more than doubled from before the recession took hold in late 2008.