More dole claimants for jobs in North than in South

A study by the TUC found more than nine claimants for every vacancy in the North East, compared with around four in the South East and South West.

The report also showed the labour market in London was far weaker than the regions surrounding it, with inner-city areas like Haringey, Lewisham and Hackney among the worst employment black spots in the country, having up to 20 claimants per vacancy.

The latest unemployment data showed that 46 of the 202 local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland have more than 10 dole claimants for every available job vacancy, claimed the TUC.

It urged the Chancellor to use this week’s Budget to announce “bold new measures” to tackle the jobs crisis, including a guarantee of a paid job or training for any young person out of work for six months and a new youth credit to support young people looking for work or training.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “When Ministers say there is plenty of work out there, they ignore the fact that there are plenty more people chasing those jobs. There are over 10 dole claimants chasing every job vacancy in nearly a quarter of all local authorities.

“New jobs are being created all the time, but not quickly enough to replace all the job losses we’re seeing in both the public and private sectors.”

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “We know times are tough for jobseekers, which is why we have introduced the Work Programme which gives people tailored support that’s right for them and will match people to the vacancies in their area.

“We have also announced that £1bn will be spent over the next three years to provide young people with extra help.”