The fall in the numbers claiming unemployment benefit for over a year in Pendle has been welcomed by MP Andrew Stephenson.
In the past year, numbers claiming the main out-of-work benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, for over a year, fell by 42%.
The number of young people claiming the benefit in Pendle also fell by 45%. Across the UK, the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for more than 12 months has fallen 30% in the past year.
Mr Stephenson said: “It’s fantastic news that long-term unemployment in Pendle is falling faster than across the UK as a whole.
“A smaller number of people who are fit to work are out of work for more than 12 months and need more help to get them back into a job.
“The last Labour Government just parked people on benefits. The long-term claimant count more than doubled under Labour in the last Parliament.
“I am working closely with our local Job Centres and this Government’s reforms are giving people the tailored support they need to get a job again. It’s already bearing fruit.
“It’s also great news that the number of 18 to 24 year olds claiming for over 12 months has dropped by 45% in the last year alone. Young people should be earning or learning, working for a better future.
“These are great figures and show how more people in Pendle are finding a job and getting off benefits.”
