Huppert calls for government action as unemployment soars (Cambridge Liberal Democrats)

Cambridge Liberal Democrats <camlibdems@gmail.com>

Huppert calls for government action as unemployment soars

January 28, 2010 11:04 AM

Julian Huppert

Unemployment in Cambridge has rocketed by a staggering 40 per cent in the last year.

Jobless figures increased to 1,740 in December 2009, 495 higher than the previous year.

The news has worried Julian Huppert, parliamentary candidate for Cambridge who fears even more city workers could lose their jobs as Cambridgeshire County Council prepares to cut up to 300 staff.

He has called on the government to stop talking and start acting to get people back to work.

"This is extremely distressing news," he said. "Behind these figures are young people, families and older workers, all struggling to meet their commitments against a backdrop of unemployment.

"These figures show the true effect of the recession on Cambridge. These have been tough times for the city and I am worried that there is more bad news to come.

"It is time the government woke up to the fact that people losing their jobs need training and support from the moment they are made redundant. The talking has to stop and we have to start seeing co-ordinated action on the ground to get people back to work."

Nationally, the Lib Dems have announced plans to launch a £900m training programme for young people if they win the general election.

The project would give financial help to youngsters to return to college and create paid internships.

Julian added: "It is this type of positive action that we need to see; putting investment in place to create real opportunities to help the workforce of the future and prevent young people languishing in the unemployment queues."