DAVID Hanson – MP for Delyn – says he is troubled by the rise in youth unemployment in the constituency and the stagnation in overall unemployment with levels remaining stubbornly high.

The total number of unemployed claimants in Delyn constituency in September 2019 was 1,265. This represents a rate of 3.9 per cent of the economically active population aged 16-64.

The equivalent UK claimant rate was 3.7 per cent. The UK unemployment rate, which includes people not claiming benefits and is estimated from survey data, was 3.9% in June to August 2019.

The number of claimants in Delyn constituency is 205 higher than September 2018 and 10 higher than August 2019.

There were 285 claimants aged 18-24 in September 2019, 45 higher than September 2018.

Mr Hanson said: “Every month I receive these unemployment figures from the UK Government I hope they will show a decrease in the number of people looking for jobs. Every month I have my hopes dashed. A rise in youth unemployment in Delyn is always the most disheartening thing to see. It means that young people, who are trying to make their own way in the world, are having opportunities pulled away from them.

“In all we still have over 1,200 people without the pride of work and the stability of income it brings. We have a higher unemployment rate than the UK average showing that we need investment from the UK Government to deliver the decent jobs we need. Investing for the future used to be the default position of most governments, but this UK Government would rather impose austerity on North East Wales and continue to support their heartlands in South East England.

“The North Wales Growth Deal would unlock investment for Flintshire County Council and the Welsh Government to continue their fight against poverty in Delyn, but little to no drive is being made by the UK Government.

“Unemployment figures being this high is worrying, but what should also concern us all is the fact that more and more people are on zero-hours contracts or agency contracts. Making them work multiple jobs for little income or employment rights. We need to sort this mess out now. We need investment in future proofed jobs and action against horrendous working practices. Until then I fear more people will remain without work.”