The latest figures on the numbers of people claiming unemployment benefit in the UK have revealed that there has been a massive 62% increase over the past 12 months in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in the Westminster parliamentary constituency of Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk.

The figures, which have been published today (Wednesday), reveal that a total of 1,072 people in Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk are now claiming unemployment benefit. The 62% increase over the past 12 months is one of the largest increases in Scotland, and comes on the back of figures showing a 50% drop in the number of new businesses starting up in the Borders.

Commenting after the latest statistics were published, Mr Moore said:

“These figures are yet more proof, if it were needed, of the impact of the economic downturn on the Borders economy. There can be no doubt now that our economy is shrinking, but what is most concerning is that it seems to be shrinking at a faster rate than other areas.

“One of the particular challenges we are facing in the Borders is that, when redundancies are made, those who have lost their jobs are often having to travel great distances to look for alternative employment. Furthermore, some of our traditional manufacturing industries, such as textiles, are finding times particularly difficult.

“Sadly, the situation is being exacerbated by the Government who, rather than offering support, have decided instead to cut local jobs in the civil service. This is just not good enough. We need a firm action plan to boost the rural economy through these difficult times. A feeble cut in VAT is just not going to do the trick.”