A ST HELENS MP says unemployment figures show the area is facing "a severe jobs crisis".

Figures obtained by Labour MP for St Helens North Conor McGinn, from the House of Commons Library show that the number of people claiming unemployment benefits in his constituency has risen by 83 per cent over the last year, and continues to grow.

The total number of claimants aged 16 to 64 in the St Helens North constituency was 3,945 in February 2021 – 1,790 claimants more than the 2,155 recorded 12 months previously.

In addition, the figures show that the number of claimants is rising, with 105 more claimants recorded in February 2021 than the month before.

The data also reveals the growing challenges faced by young people, with 820 people aged 16 to 24 claiming unemployment benefit as of February 2021.

This represents a rise of 82 per cent on the previous year’s figure, and is 30 young claimants more than was recorded in January.

The trends closely match those seen across the whole of St Helens.

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As the Star reported last week, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that there were 7,530 total claimants for out-of-work benefits in the borough as of mid-February, an increase of just under 80 per cent on the previous year’s figure of 4,195.

This was up from the 7,365 claimants there were a month earlier in January.

It means 6.8 per cent of St Helens' working-age population sought support in February – up from 3.8 per cent 12 months earlier.

Conor McGinn MP

Conor McGinn MP

Commenting on the continued rise in unemployment numbers, Conor McGinn MP said: “These shocking figures make clear that we’re facing a severe jobs crisis.

“From the outset, the Government needed to act swiftly and decisively to protect jobs and people, but they failed to grasp the situation and let down our communities.

“Ministers must urgently deliver a joined-up strategy for jobs, innovation and growth, and support our borough to deliver the skills, training and opportunities needed by those falling out of work”.