Chancellor tells MP he should “celebrate” unemployment

John Healey has slammed the Chancellor for telling the MP he should “celebrate” tripling youth unemployment in Rotherham.

The Wentworth and Dearne MP challenged George Osborne in the Commons on Tuesday, as he boasted of the private sector jobs created since 2010.

Mr Healey said: “If everything is going so well in the jobs market, why is the number of people on the dole long term the highest for 15 years?

“Why has the number of young people in Rotherham out of work for more than 12 months tripled over the past year?

“When is the Chancellor finally going to act to give people real help with jobs?”

Mr Osborne responded by saying that Mr Healey should “celebrate” the government’s record on employment “rather than talking it down.”

Afterwards Mr Healey said he was appalled by the Chancellor’s reaction.

He said: “Throughout the Dearne the number of people on the dole went up last month.

“Five people are chasing every job.

“Long term youth unemployment has tripled.

“Those who are in work are often in part-time and temporary jobs because they have no other choice.

“The benefits bill is spiralling.

“He needs to stop this complacency, face up to his government’s economic failure and do everything he can to help.”