§ Mr. Gordon BrownTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people claimed unemployment benefit; and what number and proportion had been on unemployment benefit for over six months in each year since 1979.
§ Mr. LeeThe following information is available in the Library. Table A shows the numbers of registrants at jobcentres unemployed for six months or more expressed as a percentage of all registrants as well as in absolute figures for July of each year from 1979 to 1982.
Table B shows the number of claimants at unemployment benefit offices unemployed for six months or more expressed as a percentage of all claimants for July of each year from 1983 to 1988.
Table A Registrants unemployed for 6 months or more in Great Britain Number Percentage of all registrants July 1979 552,098 39.7 July 1980 618,928 34.2 July 1981 1,255,214 45.7 July 1982 1,674,456 54.5
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Table B Claimants unemployed for 6 months or more in Great Britain Number Percentage of all claimants July 1983 1,678,758 57.8 July 1984 1,784,984 59.9 July 1985 1,875,118 60.2
Number Percentage of all claimants July 1986 1,890,171 60.0 July 1987 1,696,333 61.1 July 1988 1,301,241 58.9 Nose: Totals include those claiming unemployment benefit, income support and national insurance credits at unemployment benefit offices.