I note with interest the recent “fall” in people claiming Jobseeker’s allowance (Fewer looking for work in York, July 14).
However, the truth is different. Increasing numbers of over-50s are long-term unemployed through no fault of their own, but have now reached the new ConDem coalition Government’s six-month Jobseeker’s limit and are due no more benefit.
They may also have been told that because they have already accrued the required 30 years’ contributions to their state pensions, they don’t need to continue registering as unemployed – after all, what’s the point?
These unfortunate claimants will simply disappear off the official records – but they are still there, and they are still unemployed.
Perhaps Brendan Barber of the TUC would be better advised to investigate this cynical governmental statistical sleight-of-hand before laying the blame for youth unemployment at the door of the over-50s?
David Thompson, High Oaks, York.
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