Newham had the highest number of young jobless in the capital in February as total unemployment in the borough rose for the third consecutive month.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal youth unemployment climbed by 3 per cent to 2,770 from 2,690 in January.

Natalie Ross, acting regional director for youth volunteering organisation The Prince’s Trust in London and the South East, said: “Youth unemployment figures have reached record levels.

“We need to help young people back into work to strengthen the economy, communities and families.”

The total number claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) in Newham was up by 1.6 per cent in February to 10,642 from 10,479 in January.

On a year-on-year basis, unemployment rose by 1.8 per cent from 10,455 in February 2010.

Newham has the second highest number of total jobless in the capital, behind only Lambeth with 11,368 JSA claimants.

In percentage terms, Newham was second worst affected in the month with 6.6 per cent of its workforce claiming JSA, behind Hackney with 6.9 per cent. Newham’s figures bucked the national trend which saw jobless numbers drop by more than 10,000 in February.

If you are young and unemployed, organisations such as The Prince’s Trust and v, The National Young Volunteering Service, can help get you back into the workplace by providing volunteering, training and work experience opportunities.

For more information, visit www.princes-trust.org.uk or www.vinspired.com