West Ham MP Lyn Brown described unemployment in her constituency as a “tragedy” this week as it was revealed that 420 more people had lost their jobs.
The updated Claimant Count data from the Department of Work and Pensions showed a seven per cent increase in the number of people claiming out of work benefits this year, nearly double that of the UK has a whole.
“Every job lost is a tragedy for that individual and their family.
“These figures also underplay the problem of underemployment and people having to accept fewer hours.”
The report recorded claimant counts of 6.7 per cent in East Ham and a 7.8 per cent in West Ham.
She added: “I urge the Government to take note.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here