More than 18,000 people jobless for over five years

MORE than 18,000 people have been unemployed for over five years, according to Government figures.

The figures have doubled since 2003, and come amid concerns that very long-term unemployment is again becoming “entrenched”.

In all, as of last month, 18,663 people had been claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance for more than five years. Of that figure, 14,165 had been claiming the payment for between five and 10 years. Another 3,980 had been claiming it for between 10 and 20 years. The remaining 518 had been claiming it for more than 20 years.