There was virtually no monthly change in Newham’s most recent jobless figures - with almost 12,000 declared out of work.

But the borough still has the highest number of registered unemployed people in the capital.

The statistics also show a more than 1,000 rise in jobseekers when compared to the same point last year.

On a better note, unemployment - now standing at 11,573 - failed to increase in the borough for the second month in a row.

Two fewer people were registered as unemployed when compared to last month, and figures are down on October’s 11,887.

Liam Kane, chief executive of the East London Business Alliance (ELBA), said prospects were not lost for people who found themselves without a job.

He said: “We have always said that there is nothing in the water in Newham that prevents young people from securing sustainable work.

“That attitude and approach is reflected in the tenacious and excellent work of our local shareholders over recent years under the Workplace brand.

“The good news is that Newham is still attracting investment from the Olympics and Stratford City to Siemens and Aspers, and all provide opportunities for local employment.

“For example, 2,200 Newham residents are now employed in Westfield Stratford City and 48 per cent of them are under 25.”

Ten per cent of Newham’s 18-24-year-olds are out of work - well above the national average.