The number of young people on the dole for 12 months or more is up 306%

Unemployment is falling – always a good thing – but beneath the headline figures there are still some terrifying statistics, particularly when it comes to youth unemployment.

Lets take a look at the “Long-term youth claimant count”, which measures young people (aged 18-24) who have been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) for over a year. In June 2012 this stands at 68,200 – the highest level since August 1997.

In the last 12 months, it is up 51,400 – a rise of 306%.

How about those young people who have been claiming JSA for a much shorter time, say – 6 months? This stands at 169,100 in June 2012 – the highest level since April 1997.

In the last 12 months, it is up 83,000 – a rise of 96%.

Considering the enormous social damage that long term youth unemployment can do, these are hugely problematic numbers for the government, especially considering Cameron and Clegg’s alleged commitment to “tackling the blight of youth unemployment”.