§ John RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the change is in the level of unemployment in the Glasgow, Anniesland constituency since May 1997. [81304]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownThe Government's active labour market programmes, building on the foundation of a stable economy, are helping more and more people move from a life of benefits into work. In my hon. Friend's constituency, claimant unemployment has fallen by a third since 1997, and long-term unemployment has fallen by 55 per cent.
As well as the New Deals, we have Action Teams for Jobs and Employment Zones operating in areas with persistently high levels of unemployment. The Glasgow Employment Zone, which includes my hon. Friend's constituency, has already helped over 3,000 people find work.