The number of young people in Camberwell and Peckham looking for work for more than six months is up 85 per cent since January, figures released today show.

This increase in the number of under 25 year olds without work comes at a time of rising unemployment across the board in Camberwell and Peckham.  There are now 5,996 people claiming Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) in the area, 960 more people than 12 months ago – a 19.1% increase.

This horrific increase in youth unemployment is particularly worrying after the area was affected by the riots in August.  Local people have told me that lower unemployment would make riots less likely in the future.  But the government is persisting with their plan to close Camberwell Jobcentre and standing by while unemployment rises.

The government should adopt Labour's five point plan for jobs and growth.  Unlike the government Labour has a plan for a National Insurance tax break for small firms taking on extra workers and a bank bonus tax to fund 100,000 jobs for young people.