CRITICISM is mounting that Oldham’s young people are being “ignored” by the government as latest figures reveal youth unemployment in the borough is almost double the national average.

Figures released by the House of Commons Library show there were 1,075 people aged 18-24 claiming unemployment support in August across the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency, up from 670 in March, 2020 and 12.4 per cent of the population, compared to the UK rate of 6.8 per cent.

That same month Oldham West and Royton had 1,370 claimants aged 18-24, up from 785 in March, 2020, and across Ashton, Droylsden and Failsworth there were 894 in the age group claiming support, up from 575 last March.

Responding to the data, Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon said: “Young people in Chadderton, Oldham and Royton are still being ignored by this Government. With a youth unemployment rate more than double the national average it’s clear that we need to see targeted investment and action in Oldham.”

Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “The Government’s failure to secure the recovery has seen record long term unemployment, and young people in my constituency are still suffering unemployment at close to double the national rate.”

The figures come as ministers face sustained pressure to reverse their decision to end the £20 Universal Credit uplift introduced to help claimants weather the storm of the coronavirus pandemic.

Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton and Failsworth, said: “There is absolutely no way that Universal Credit should be cut at this time. The government’s plans will cost six million families an estimated £1,000 a year and support for those on low wages and out of work will be cut to its lowest level in decades.”

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “As we continue to push ahead with our recovery, it’s great to see another significant fall in unemployment and the number of people on payrolls rising by 241,000 in August – the biggest monthly increase on record – showing our Plan for Jobs is working.

“We’re helping employers recruit for the record number of vacancies out there, particularly in growing sectors, and supporting people of all ages and backgrounds to overcome barriers, land their next role, and progress in work.”