Unemployment - a staggering 141% increase in Mid Dorset and North Poole

12.27.00pm GMT Thu 22nd Jan 2009

As the appalling national figures were announced today, nearly 2 million people unemployed, the House of Commons Library produced figures on a constituency wide basis covering Dec 07 to Dec 08. Unemployment in Mid Dorset and North Poole had risen a staggering 141% over the period.

Annette Brooke MP said 'although this involves relatively low numbers, up 324 to 781, it is a tragedy for the individuals involved. We have a balanced mixed economy and this massive increase is illustrating just how bad the national situation really is and how the situation will get worse. Unemployment between Nov 07 and Nov 08 in Mid Dorset and North Poole increased by 108% which seemed bad enough but now we see an accelerating trend.'

Annette Brooke is calling for all local councils to set up a special local economy taskforce to advise businesses and individuals where they can get help and advice and also to consider what action they can take locally.

Annette Brooke added 'I hope that the Government and Jobcentreplus will be called to account for their short-sighted decision to close local offices in Wareham and Wimborne in March 2008. Travelling for interviews and advice is very expensive for people who suddenly find themselves having to exist on Job Seekers Allowance.'