Unemployment rises in Suffolk

COUNCIL chiefs last night pledged to do all they can to help people in Suffolk find jobs - as the number of unemployed rocketed by more than 85pc in a year.

COUNCIL chiefs last night pledged to do all they can to help people in Suffolk find jobs - as the number of unemployed rocketed by more than 85pc in a year.

According to the Office of National Statistics there are now 14,082 individuals in the county looking for work.

This is an 87pc rise compared to this time last year - most of which has come in the last three months, with unemployment up 66% in February compared to November.

Last night Jeremy Pembroke, leader of Suffolk County Council, said the authority was giving extra help to local families and businesses struggling in the current economic downturn.

This includes extra support to Jobcentre plus, the creation of a 'Suffolk Apprentices' scheme and making money available through bursaries to those who have lost their job and want to become self-employed.

He said an additional �100,000 had also been made available to the Citizens Advice Bureau so it can give an extra 150 hours of support over the next two years and �500,000 had been given to credit unions for them to help individuals and families manage their debts.

'There are many practical things we are doing,' he said. 'However it's not just those who are unemployed -families also come under pressure.

'It is clearly a very difficult time but we have a moral duty to protect people and that's what I'm determined we will do.'