THE number of people joining the dole queue in West Lothian has increased by almost 500, according to latest figures.
There were 5,217 people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance in January – a rise of 493 on December's fi
gure as West Lothian's 4.9 per cent rate of unemployment continues to increase.
There are now eight people looking for work for every one job available in county Jobcentres.
West Lothian's unemployment rate is higher than both the Scottish (4.5 per cent) and UK (4.3) rates and ranks joint tenth highest with South Ayrshire out of all Scottish local authority areas.
Executive councillor for development and transport Martyn Day believes the high increase is mainly due to seasonal work over Christmas.
He said: "We know this is an extremely challenging time for many residents in West Lothian.
"Our jobless figures aren't surprising and are consistent with many other areas in Scotland, however, the increase in the number of people out of work is certainly disappointing."
There were 632 notified Jobcentre vacancies in January – a net decrease of 144 from the month before, while youth unemployment also took a jump of 125 to 1,600 18 to 24-year-olds out of work.
Cllr Day added: "West Lothian has a relatively young population overall and we know that this is a challenging time for this age group in particular.
"That's why the council is fully involved in initiatives like the Future Jobs Fund and Get Ready for Work, creating additional job and training opportunities for young people.
"The council will continue to promote West Lothian as a business location and provide practical assistance to help businesses to grow and generate new jobs.
"In the first two months of 2010 alone the council's Business Gateway has assisted 73 businesses to start-up in West Lothian."
According to the last labour market profile by the Office of National Statistics for West Lothian up to last June, there are 89,100 people "economically active", with 20,300 inactive.
Around 12,800 people are classed as "not wanting a job" – 12 per cent of those of working age.
The average gross pay of a West Lothian resident is £425 a week. Male workers earn considerably more than females with a weekly pay packet of £475, while full-time women workers earn £368.
A total of 19,200 claim benefits in West Lothian, with 9,210 on incapacity-related benefits.
The council hopes a £3 million investment in county town centres will encourage more people to shop locally and also attract new visitors to the area to help the economy and boost job opportunities.
