On Tuesday 27th September Jo Churchill MP raised concerning new statistics showing a rise in the total number of unemployed claimants in her Bury St Edmunds constituency since the start of the year. Mrs Churchill has outlined her concerns in writing to the new Minister for Employment Damian Hinds MP.
The figures show a steady rise in unemployed claimants from 568 in December 2015 to 704 claims in August 2016. This represents a rise from 1.0% to 1.2% in the number of claimants of the economically active population. Furthermore, it now places Bury St Edmunds 514th highest of the 650 UK constituencies for unemployment, up from 553rd at the start of the year.
Commenting on the statistics, Jo Churchill MP said: “In a month where this Government has delivered 31.77 million more people into work than ever before, I am concerned to see an increase in unemployment in my Bury St Edmunds constituency, since the start of 2016.
I want to know why there has been an increase in unemployment figures in Bury St Edmunds and what impact the role out of Universal Credit is having on those seeking work and what we are doing to ensure school leavers are fully supported. That is why I have written to Damian Hinds MP, Minister for Employment at the Department of Work and Pensions.”