Number of people on long term unemployment benefits in Milton Keynes six times higher than 2012

In February 2012 only 15 people had been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance benefit for over 260 weeks (almost five years). But by May 2016 this number shot up to 80.

Short-term unemployment fell at almost the same rate over the period. Since February 2012 numbers dropped from 340 people claiming unemployment benefits for one week or less to 95 in May 2016.

Over the same timescale, the overall number of people 
unemployed in the area has also fallen, decreasing by 
almost 5,000 people in four-and-a-half years.

The figures, released by the Offical of National Statistics, also reveal significant differences in employment rates depending on people’s age.

Youngsters aged 18-24 have had the highest unemployment rate in the last 48 months.

This suggests it is harder for the younger age bracket, who are not in full-time education, to find regular work in Milton Keynes.

Believe In Young People is a local charity that helps youngsters with education and employment, launched a campaign last year to help young adults prepare for their future careers.

Charity chief executive Tanja Kuveljic said: “We try to give young people the best possible opportunity to be employed in a suitable role, maximise potential and reduce youth unemployment.”

A spokesman from Milton Keynes council, said: “We help people back into jobs through our neighbourhood employment programme, a free job search and support service designed to help Milton Keynes residents into work.”