Tottenham unemployment still highest in London (From Haringey Independent)

Tottenham unemployment still highest in London

10:40am Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Top Stories By David Hardiman

The number of people seeking work in Tottenham has fallen slightly but remains the highest in London.

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics today showed that 6,607 people are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in the constituency – 8.5 per cent of the population.

And with only 252 registered jobs on offer, it means there are around 26 people chasing every position.

More than a fifth of claimants are aged between 18-24 and more than half have been out of work for more than six months.

Chairman of Haringey Trades Union Council, Keith Flett said: “I’m afraid visits by Prince Charles do not create jobs and nor does George Osborne refusing to change course on his economic policy which underwrites these dreadful figures.”

Last month Prime Minister David Cameron said that the figures nationally were “disappointing” and the Government was “taking action to get people back to work”.

The claimant count in Tottenham reached a peak of 6,770 – 8.7 per cent – last August, in the same month that riots left business torched along the High Road.

Councillor Joe Goldberg, cabinet member for finance at Haringey Council, said: “We continue to be alarmed by the jobs crisis not just in Tottenham but across Haringey.

“This is why we’re taking our own action as a council and are launching a much needed £3.5m jobs creation scheme in the spring.”