Calne ward jobs warning (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Calne ward jobs warning

6:00pm Saturday 11th February 2012 in Local By Tom Mooney

The unemployment rate in Calne’s Abberd ward has been declared a state of “emergency”, according to a report published this week.

More than one in seven people between the age of 16 and 24 is claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA). At 14.8 per cent, it represents the highest rate in Wiltshire.

The only other ward in the county also dubbed an unemployment blackspot by the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations report was Parks in Swindon, where the figure was 13.1 per cent.

Deputy town mayor Roy Golding, who represents Abberd, said he did not believe it was any worse than other areas. He said: “With the economic climate the way it is, things are difficult for everybody.

“But I don’t think there is actually a problem in Abberd or in Calne. I would suggest, at this moment in time, Abberd is no different to anywhere else.”

North Wiltshire MP James Gray said although Abberd appeared to have a problem, the county as a whole was standing up well.

He said: “Having even one person unemployed is a great concern to everyone.

“But in north Wiltshire we are very fortunate as we have very low unemployment.

“They produce a list each month showing unemployment figures and we are often around number 590 out of 650 constituencies.

“And we need to make the distinction between long-term unemployed and those between jobs. Many of these young people will be claiming JSA while they are between jobs.

“It is the long-term unemployed we have to really worry about and we have a fairly low number overall.

“But one big issue that will affect places like Calne and Wootton Bassett will be RAF Lyneham. At its peak, there were 750 civilian jobs there and many more people’s livelihoods depended on it, such as local pubs and shops.

“The rebuilding of Lyneham will be very good news two or three years down the road. But it will be tough between now and then.”

Mr Gray said, while the Government can put strategies in place to help alleviate unemployment, it is also up to local companies and councils to do their part, especially with providing more apprenticeships.

But Coun Golding said he believes responsibility falls on central Government.

He said: “To me, small local initiatives will not cure these problems.”