Thirty jobseekers chase every vacancy

There are more than 30 jobseekers chasing every vacancy in Hull East – the 13th highest rate of 650 constituencies, according to research provided for MPs by the House of Commons.

Hull North has the 16th highest rate, with 28 people on out of work benefits chasing every vacancy.

Ministers have pointed to significant numbers of vacancies in the economy to counter claims that spending cuts will lead to sharp rises in unemployment. However, the research shows that there is a discrepancy across the country as to the availability of jobs.

The research analysed statistics for unemployment – which has been hovering around 2.5 million for several months – in January.

The Government hopes its new Work Programme, due to come into force shortly, will encourage more people into work because it will offer intensive support.

However, Labour claims that spending cuts and the axing of the job creation Future Jobs Fund will lead to rising unemployment over the coming years.