Significant jump in Job Seeker's Allowance claimants

1.15.00am GMT Thu 15th Jan 2009

Following the latest release of November 2008 Hampshire Labour Market Bulletin showing an increase in the number of people in Winchester claiming Job Seekers' Allowance

Although we're in a better position than much of the rest of the country, the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance is up again.

It's less than a quarter of the level of the unemployment peak in 1993, but the trend is still very concerning. November had the biggest reported increase in joblessness in the Winchester area in a single month since January 1996.

Everyone is being understandably cautious. The problem is that taken together the caution is putting the brakes on the economy both locally and nationally. Doing nothing is not an option - we need more demand in the economy - ideally from tax cuts for people on low and middle incomes - from action to get the banks lending to business - and by investing in new green technologies to kick start the economy and protect our future.