HC Deb 25 November 2002 vol 395 cc15-6W
31. Tony Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the change in the level of unemployment in the Workington constituency has been since 1997. [81300]

Mr. Nicholas Brown

Economic stability and active labour market programmes have helped people move from welfare to work in all parts of the country. In my hon. Friend's constituency, claimant unemployment has halved since 1997 and long-term unemployment has fallen by nearly 80 per cent.