MP Rushanara Ali is calling for a compulsory ‘jobs guarantee’ scheme to tackle the growing long-term unemployment crisis in London’s East End where people would have to take on work—or lose benefits.
Three more people out of every 100 are now out of work compared to a year ago, according to latest Office for National Statistics figures released on Monday.
“Urgent action is needed to create jobs and get people into work,” the Bethnal Green & Bow MP insists. “We are calling for a compulsory ‘jobs guarantee’ to get adults out of work for more than two years or youngsters out of work for a year into jobs—one they would be required to take.”
Unemployment has soared with 70,000 more now on the dole in Britain than a month ago, with youth unemployment alone rising by 20,000, she pointed out.
Labour claims families are £891 worse off with benefit cuts, while pay packets have shrunk by £1,700 compared to three years ago.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here