Women hit hardest as North West unemployment remains highest in UK, Labour MP reveals in Manchester visit

By Dean Wilkins

Unemployment increased by 100,000 in the north of England in the last year, new figures showed during the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury’s Manchester visit today.

Rachel Reeves MP released Labour’s worrying statistics also showed that there are now 325,000 people out of work in the North West – the highest rate in the UK.

Job centres saw a 29% increase of women claiming jobless benefits, while males claiming Job Seekers Allowance increased by 3%.

Reeves said: "Britain is now one of just two G20 countries in a double-dip recession. Our economy has shrunk over the last 18 months, long-term unemployment is soaring and borrowing is going up.

"The Government's plan has completely failed. That's why we need a change of course and a real plan for jobs and growth.

“Without urgent action now, Britain will pay a very heavy long-term price."

Census results released yesterday showed a 32% increase in the number 0-4 year olds in Manchester.

In 2011 there were 36,400 aged four or under, compared to 24,693 in 2001 but Manchester's children’s services budget has been cut by £45.1m.

Lucy Powell, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Manchester Central, said: “For many people being in work is becoming unaffordable.

“The number of women now unemployed unable to find enough hours and the right hours around their childcare costs is only going to increase.
“We are looking at a huge ticking time bomb of economically inactive women the legacy of which will last for years.

“It's a false economy from this out-of-touch government. Making work pay for women and providing affordable childcare will save money in the long run.”

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