Independent statistics, collated and released by the Labour Party, show unemployment rates in the East Midlands today and during the previous UK recession in 1992.

Labour’s Regional Minister for the East Midlands, Phil Hope MP, said the figures highlighted the importance of maintaining support for the economy and for those who lose their jobs at this difficult time.

In the East Midlands, the levels of unemployment shown by the figures are:

December 1992        November 2009       

East Midlands                       188,234                      109,902

During the recession in 1992 the percentage of the working age population who were unemployed here in the East Midlands stood at 7.6% compared to 4% during this recession.

Labour’s Phil Hope MP said:

“Every job lost in the East Midlands is a real tragedy, for that person and their family. That is exactly why the Labour Government will continue to do everything we can to protect communities across the East Midlands from the recession, support people back into work and to get the economy growing again.

“During this difficult period, Labour is taking action to help people here in the East Midlands back into work and supporting businesses and homeowners. Direct assistance like the business tax deferral scheme and mortgage assistance and advice will provide real help to local people.

“While these figures suggest the measures Labour has taken are having an effect here in the East Midlands, there is absolutely no room for complacency. While the economy is fragile, it is crucial that we maintain support both for the local economy here in the East Midlands and nationally. To cut back on the fiscal stimulus, like the Tories are suggesting, would again be the wrong call at the wrong time.”