Unemployment shock in Dorset

Data just released shows unemployment in Mid Dorset has risen faster than regional and national averages. 680 people were unemployed at the end of December 2008 whereas at the end of December 2007 the figure was 327, an increase of 108%.

Commenting on this data. Cllr Nick King, prospective Conservative MP said: “This is very worrying data and shows that no area is immune from the current economic crisis.  Indeed, with unemployment increasing fastest in the suburban areas it points to an increasing loss of jobs in the service sector, which is so important to South East Dorset.

“It is now time for the government to ease pressure on business, deal with unemployment and help families and individuals affected by the recession. 

“The closure of the job centre in Wimborne is placing a huge pressure on those looking for work in the town.  They now face a long and expensive bus journey to Poole to access those services, a problem I pointed out to David Cameron when he visited the town in November.”