MP calls for higher wages after employment drop in Worksop

John Mann MP has called for higher wages in Worksop after it was revealed that unemployment in the town has increased

The latest figures, released yesterday, show the number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in the town rose from 936 in December 2015 to 970 in January 2016.

And the number of young people, aged 18 to 24, claiming the benefit increased from 253 to 258 during the same period.

However, it is believed this increase is a result of fewer people making claims in December due to the high number of temporary Christmas jobs that become available.

Despite the slight increase, unemployment across all ages in Bassetlaw has decreased 16.4 per cent in the past 12 months.

Sue Fielding, senior operations leader at Jobcentre Plus, said: “Overall, it is a very positive picture.

“At the moment there is no indication of employment slowing down.

“You often see a slight increase in people claiming in January combined to December because of seasonal jobs.”

The same small increases also occurred at other surrounding areas including Retford and Mansfield.

In total, the number of people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in Nottinghamshire increased from 13,829 in December 2015 to 14,605,a rise of 5.6 per cent.

Youth unemployment figures across Bassetlaw have fallen 16.4 per cent.

John Mann, Labour MP for Bassetlaw district, said: “The issue around here is the number of hours people can work and also their take-home pay.

“People often aren’t able to get the hours or wages they need.

“Local people need higher wages.”