New boost to get Hull's long-term jobless into work

The Labour Government today announced an extra £1 million of funding to help Hull tackle long-term worklessness.

The Labour Government's Working Neighbourhood Fund is worth £1.5 billion between 2008 and 2011 for local authorities in the 61 areas of the country hit hardest by the recession. This includes £38.4 million for Hull.

While the number of long-term jobless families across the country has been reduced by 13 per cent over the last ten years, this funding demonstrates the Labour Government's commitment to tackling entrenched worklessness and steps up action to support the remaining 73,000 back into work.

The funding has been welcomed by Hull North MP Diana Johnson.

Diana Johnson MP said: "This new money from the Labour Government gives extra help to those who need it most getting new skills, connecting them to jobs and creating new opportunities ready for the upturn.

"Tackling long-term worklessness is not easy, especially in a global recession. Some people have complex circumstances or face particular challenges, but this funding shows that Labour is determined to do more to help those who haven't had a job and who want to work. They need to know they have not fallen through the net or been written off.

"I hope that Hull's Lib Dem Council puts this Government funding to the best use for local jobs."

Communities Secretary, John Denham MP said: "In past recessions the Conservatives let people get left behind. Today David Cameron is opposed to Labour's fiscal stimulus to help people during the downturn. He would let the recession take its course - whatever the consequences on families and communities.

"Even in the downturn hundreds of thousands of people are getting jobs. This funding shows that even those out of work for years are not being left behind, as they were under the Tories.

"Labour is continuing to help, putting in additional investment such as the £40 million from the Working Neighbourhood Fund announced today. We are asking local councils to take immediate action.

"We are doing everything we can to give every person a fair chance to realise their potential in life. The Tories would write people off, as they did before. Labour will not"

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