Unemployment in Merton has soared to record levels with double the number of jobseekers in the borough compared to a year ago.

According to figures released by the National Office of Statistics, nearly 4,000 residents are claiming unemployment benefit - equating to 2.9 per cent of the population.

Men are finding it the hardest to get into work, as 2,693 now struggle to find a job in the recession compared to just 1,220 a year ago.

But the surge in unemployment is in line with the national increase and Merton actually fares better than most surrounding boroughs.

In Lambeth, the number of those out of work has tripled in a year with 5.4 per cent of population now claiming unemployment benefit.

Sutton, Wandsworth and Croydon boroughs all have higher unemployment rates with only Kingston lower at 2.4 per cent.

The figures released last week show the number of people given jobseekers' allowance nationally has more than doubled over the last year to a total of 1.5m.

And even in Merton, signs the economy is picking up have been defied by data collected since May which show 320 more residents have signed on over the three month period.

Merton Council has introduced a number of measures to help curb unemployment.

Deputy leader Councillor Samantha George said: “Putting the needs of our residents first, we are working in partnership with both public and private sector organisations to minimise any impact caused by the current challenging economic climate and we continue to closely monitor unemployment levels across the borough.”

She added: “There are many ways in which Merton’s services can help residents who have become unemployed or are struggling financially, whether through benefits support or free training and advice for the future.

“The council will continue to work hard to ensure that the borough and its residents emerge from the recession in a position that will allow us to make the most of the recovery.”

Go to merton.gov.uk for more information.

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