The constituencies of Caerphilly and Islwyn, which cover most of Caerphilly County Borough, have seen an increase in unemployment, latest figures suggest.
Despite unemployment across Wales falling by 3,000 the two Parliamentary areas saw increases in the number of people claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance.
In the Caerphilly constituency in January 2012 the number was 2,882 – an increase of 156 from 2,726 recorded in December 2011. This represents a rate of 7.9% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64.
In Islwyn, the number rose from 2,198 in December 2011 to 2,446. Nearly 10% of the working population in Islwyn is now claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance.
The Labour MPs for both areas have criticised UK Government policy for the rising claimant count and warned of a ‘lost generation’.
Caerphilly’s Wayne David said: “It is a crime that unemployment is continuing to rise. I am especially worried that youth unemployment appears to be escalating.
“Unless the Government changes course, there is now a very real danger that there will be a ‘lost generation’. Young people are our future and the Government should abandon its failed economic policy and make ‘growth’ its number one priority.”
Calling on the Government to adopt a new approach, Islwyn MP Chris Evans said: “Communities like Islwyn are bearing the brunt of the Coalition’s vicious programme of cuts and these figures are a serious cause for concern.
“The Government has to change track or we could see another lost generation of young people.
“They could start by taking a look at Labour’s five point plan for jobs and growth and taxing bank bonuses, bringing forward projects like road building and reversing the government’s damaging VAT rise.
“A cut in VAT on home improvements and a one year national insurance tax break for small firms and businesses could provide some much needed support for our economy.
“After almost two years in office it is about time this government started taking responsibility.”
He cant say much Labour were in power for 13 years, were in Caerphilly, we saw many a factory close, I was told by the Job Centre 20yrs ago that this area was an unemployment black spot. What did labour do about it, put most of the jobs in wales either on the A470 or M4 coridor, or down the bay, were if you dont have a car, you are stuffed, take a look at your on party, before having a go at any others please.
When Labour were in power unemployment came down considerably until the downturn hit many communities up and down Wales. Gordon Brown's government pursued an interventionist agenda which prevented this country from entering a depression. Unemployment in Caerphilly county borough was lower than it is now because the Tories offer the same policies (or lack of) that they did in the 1980's and 90's. I hear Plaid bleat on about Labour's record all the time but they never criticise the Tories. They ran a vociferous anti – Labour campaign at the 2011 Assembly elections and now they seem intent on following the Tory line.
Plaid's inflation busting increases in charges hit the poorest hardest and now they are trying to fool the people with their freeze now, pay later council tax gimmick. A freeze in council tax, also supported by Tory – run Monmouthshire will reduce revenue and will therefore
lead to more cuts. Plaid are turning into the Tories and more fool them!!
The plaid Cymru Caerphilly Council `appear` to be doing exactly what is proposed by Wayne David, i.e. spending its way out of the current economic situation,with major redevelopment projects, creating and maintaining employment in the process, or so we are told, whilst, at the same time its prospective election candidates in the forthcoming local elections post hypocritical comments on this site about the position of the Labour Party in its opposition to Tory policies, Clayton, you can`t have it both ways my friend, you really have to listen to what Wayne David is saying.
You either support your party policies in Caerphilly or you you dont.
Plaid led Caerffili CBC does not take advice from any of the other Westminster led parties on getting the job done. Actions speak louder than words : – http://www.caerphillyobserver.co.uk/news/488854/m…