Unemployment in Hammersmith and Fulham is “spiralling at an alarming rate” as the recession deepens, according to new figures.

Fulham residents are among the hardest hit, it has been revealed, as latest statistics show the jobless rate has more than doubled in some areas in the last year.

The borough’s unemployment rates rose nearly two-thirds from June 2008 to June 2009, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics, rising from 2.6 per cent to 4.2 per cent.

Several parts of the borough saw an increase of more than 100 per cent in the number of people claiming jokseekers’ allowance, with Munster ward seeing a 124 per cent rise and Sands End ward suffering a 120 per cent hike.

Young people have been significantly affected by the recession with, with dole claimants under the age of 25 making up a fifth of the total number of unemployed in the borough.

Nearly 21 per cent of unemployed in the borough were looking for customer service and sale jobs in June, but retail jobs accounted for just 3.4 per cent of Jobcentre Plus vacancies, while hotel and restaurant jobs only made up 2 per cent.

Job vacancies fell by 40 per cent overall in the last six months leading up to June 2009, compared with the same six-month period a year earlier.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council leader Stephen Greenhalgh said: "These latest unemployment figures are depressing and reflect the current national economic climate.

"I am concerned that the recession is hitting parts of the borough especially hard and that unemployment is growing faster among certain groups - especially the young."

With the support of Job Centre Plus and Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, the council is opening a "work zone" offering employment advice and opportunities as part of the new Shepherds Bush Library which opens at Westfield London on September 1.

Council bosses also say they have successfully bid for government funds to create 80 starter jobs in the community, while also launching a new apprenticeship scheme for young people.

Coun Greenhalgh added: "Our focus has been to ensure that people have access to the best possible financial, legal or employment advice while deliver the best possible services at the lowest possible cost."

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