Unemployment up in Watford

8.17.00am GMT Thu 18th Feb 2010

Sal Brinton commented on the news that unemployment figures in Watford had risen in January "This increase of 162 to at total of 1896 from December to January is worrying because it goes against the national trend, and moves Watford's unemployment level to 3.6%. This is the highest level of unemployment that Watford has faced since 1996. Whilst this is still below the national average, we must do everything we can to ensure that those out of work are getting access to the right advice and help to get them back into a job as soon as possible."

This is particularly important for those under 25. The number of young people unemployed has rised by 125 since January 2009. All the evidence shows that young people need special help to get into work during a recession. I call on the Government to relax their current rule about not providing special training support for the Under 25s until they've been unemployed for 9 months. Help should be offered much more quickly."