News

Jobless numbers treble in a year

By Victoria Corbett
June 25, 2009

The number of jobseekers in Bracknell Forest has soared by nearly 200 per cent, according to new figures.

The stats from the Citizens Advice Bureau show 1,829 people are now claiming Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA),compared with 635 a year ago.

The figures reveal the number if jobless in the borough has jumped by 188 in the past year.

But some believe the number of unemployed might be even higher becuase many may not be eligible to claim the allowance, or want to.

Councillor Paul Bettison, leader of Bracknell Forest Council, said: “It is difficult to know how many people are out of work.

“It is difficult trying to draw conclusions from just the JSA statistic because ,whilst it is probably as good a barometer as we have, it does not tell the whole story.

“There are a lot of people in Bracknell Forest who are unemployed anyway and if they perceive hard times are coming some of them may claim JSA for the first time, so they would inflate the figures.

“Also there will be some people who for various reasons, either because they have got large amounts of savings or assets or because they are too proud or too shocked, do not claim it.

“That can distort the figures the other way.”

The town’s Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is adapting its service this week to cope with rising demand on its services as a result of the economic downturn.

It has faced a surge in the number of people needing help and advice from its volunteers.

The CAB is closed this week to train staff in a new system aimed at helping the bureau deal with more people. It will reopen on Monday.

Tracy Warren, CAB services manager, said: “People have been coming as early as 8am to wait in line and we recognise that the first-come-first-served approach is not the best way to serve those with greatest need.”

Staff are being trained to assess the needs of people who visit the CAB so priority cases can be dealt with first.

Initial assessments will be offered from Monday, July 6, to visitors to the CAB’s Broadway offices.

Call 0844 4994107 for information.