Barrett and Crockart: Rise In Unemployment Shows Recession is Not Over for Most

18 February 2010

John Barrett MP and PPC Mike Crockart have slammed the Government for their failure to protect jobs after statistics revealed that unemployment in Edinburgh has continued to rise despite the recession having technically come to an end.
Figures published yesterday showed that the number of people claiming unemployment benefits in Edinburgh increased by 929 between December 2009 and January 2010. Since January 2009, 3,429 more people across Edinburgh have been added to the unemployment benefit list. Across Scotland as a whole, the number of people out of work grew by 10,000 over the final 3 months of 2009.
Commenting, John Barrett said:
‘It is clear that despite the UK economy having returned to growth, the recession is continuing to make its presence felt in homes and businesses across Edinburgh.
‘With many analysts now predicting that unemployment figures will get worse before they get better, action to protect jobs and provide those out of work with the help they need is required as urgently as ever.
Mr Crockart added:
'The unemployment numbers in Edinburgh that were recently released are very disconcerting. The Government must ensure that although the recession is ending the support for businesses does not taper. Jobs need to be protected to prevent further losses and continued business support will help to grow businesses and get them hiring again.
'These figures underscore the point that the end of the recession should not be used as an excuse for failing to support business and families that are still struggling.'
ENDS