Dagenham & Rainham unemployment statistics

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Dagenham & Rainham unemployment statistics

The number of unemployed claimants in Dagenham and Rainham constituency in June 2014 was 2,102. This represents a rate of 4.3% of the economically active population aged 16 to 64, the 168th highest of the 650 UK constituencies. (1st = highest rate of unemployment, 650th = lowest rate of unemployment.)

The number of claimants is 1148 lower than in June 2013 and 147 lower than in May 2014. These data are not seasonally adjusted. Although these figures highlight an improvement locally there is still work to be done. Many are still underpayed and employed on zero hour contracts which is something trade unions, the council and Jon Cruddas MP are working hard to address locally.

There is a lot of investment scheduled to come to Dagenham and Rainham over the course of the year which will undoubtedly help the local economy stabilise further. A new ASDA superstore opened last year bringing with it over 300 local jobs. Work has recently started on the Sanofi site in Dagenham East. The regeneration project will bring a Sainsbury's, a Marston's pub restaurant and leisure facilities with the Sainsbury's alone bringing over 450 new jobs for local people.

We have to tackle the problem of underemployment both nationally and locally; the TUC estimate that over a million workers are undertaking part time work as full time work is not available. This has led to many individuals and families being left in fuel and food poverty, which is not only a national issue but a local one as well.

MP Jon Cruddas says: "Whilst positive these latest figures do not account for the people working part-time, still struggling to make ends meet. With high levels of underemployment, zero hour contracts and low wages people are falling through the cracks. I'm seeing more and more local residents coming to my advice surgeries that are in employment but are still in great need of help. This is something that needs to be addressed.

"With regard to the works being undertaken on the Sanofi site; it is crucial that we ensure it is local jobs for local people. I will be doing all I can in the coming months, with the help of local Councillors to make sure that this is the case."