20/01/09 - More people chasing jobs in Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland than anywhere else in the North East

New analysis by the Conservatives has revealed constituencies in the North East where almost 20 people are chasing every single vacancy.  The research comes ahead of the publication of this month’s unemployment figures which are expected to show another steep rise in both unemployment and the claimant count.  Further figures show how the number of vacancies in the economy is falling: in October 2004 there were 808,000 live unfilled vacancies at Jobcentre Plus across the UK, and now there are only 343,000, a drop of 465,000 or 58 per cent.

Teesside in particular is suffering with Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland topping the regional list of constituencies hardest hit in the North East, and coming 11^th nationally.  Redcar is the 3rd hardest hit constituency in the North East.

Commenting, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland, Paul Bristow said:
 
“These figures show the very real challenge of unemployment on Teesside.  I’m pleased the Government has finally taken up Conservative proposals to offer incentives to companies to create jobs for the unemployed, but it needs to go further and adopt our plans for a more substantial National Loan Guarantee Scheme to help existing businesses and to protect jobs.  This will help Teesside reach its full exciting potential.”