Labour’s prospective MP Charlotte MacKenzie today welcomed news that unemployment is starting to fall.

The figures published today for February 2010 show that, in Truro and Falmouth constituency, unemployment continues to be below the UK average.

Charlotte MacKenzie said:

“It is great news that jobs figures nationally are on the upturn. Despite the recent recession, the number of people working in Carrick continues to be encouraging, because unemployment is below the UK average. As local people remember, this is the opposite of the jobs position when Labour was elected in 1997.

“There is always a significant seasonal element to employment in Cornwall. The local figures show that the number of people looking for work has not increased this month. We are not yet seeing a local fall in the number of people seeking work, but normally there is an upturn here after Easter because of seasonal working.

“The jobs success story in Cornwall has been the 90 per cent decrease in youth unemployment from 1997 levels thanks to Labour’s new deal. Labour’s jobs action during the recession focuses on preventing a return to long-term youth unemployment. I support that action because it is working, and I will continue to watch local figures closely to ensure there is no return to high levels of long-term unemployment for young people in Cornwall.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Yvette Cooper, said: 

“The fall in unemployment for the third month in a row is very welcome, but we should remain cautious. We’re not out of the woods yet and we are still determined to do more to support jobs and help the unemployed this year. 
 
“The figures show the investment in jobs, education and training places is making a real difference. Half a million fewer people are out of work than anticipated at the time of last year’s budget – saving over £10bn as a result. 
 
“However, now is not the time to cut back on support for jobs as the Tories propose. We know things will be difficult for some time, and unemployment in the eighties and nineties rose for years after the recessions finished. That is why we plan to increase help to get people back into jobs this year, not cut it back, so we can support the jobs of the future.” 

Minster for Employment Jim Knight, said:

“While it’s good news that the number of young people claiming unemployment benefit has fallen for the fourth month in a row, there is no let up in our investment to ensure every young jobseeker gets the chance to find work and make a future for themselves. 
 
“I am delighted to announce a further 7,000 Future Jobs Fund jobs for young people as part of Government’s unprecedented guarantee that 18-24 year olds who are unemployed for six months will get a job, a work placement or a training opportunity. We are determined to give them the chance to develop skills and get that all important foot on the career ladder.”