Concern over rising unemployment figures for Pendle

New figures published this week show that there were 3,885 people looking for work in Pendle in October 2020, which is 1,840 more than March 2020, before the first UK lockdown began.

The unemployment rate in Pendle now stands at 7.0% of the population aged 16-64. The equivalent UK claimant rate was 6.3%.

There were 685 Universal Credit claimants in Pendle aged 18-24 in October 2020, five lower than September 2020 and 355 higher than March 2020.

Mr Stephenson MP said “This year has been hugely challenging for people across Pendle and these latest figures underline the damage being done by Covid-19 with unemployment almost doubling since March.

"The government has safeguarded thousands of jobs across Pendle with the furlough scheme, business grants and loans, but regrettably, the impact of Covid-19 on people’s livelihoods is plain to see."

Mr Stephenson went on to highlight the ongoing situation at Barnoldswick's Rolls-Royce plant, which has seen significant job loses over the last 12 months, and the threat of more to come, as well as Awaz in Earby.

He added: "Decisions to lay off large numbers of employers by employers such as Awaz in Earby and Rolls-Royce in Barnoldswick is also having a huge impact.

“I will continue to do everything I can to protect jobs and livelihoods, but these figures underline the scale of the challenge we’re facing. The government has extended the furlough scheme until March to protect millions of jobs across the UK and support people to continue to provide for their families.

"We all need to play our part to get the virus under control, so we can protect lives and livelihoods.”