LONG-term unemployment in Erith and Thamesmead grew by nearly a quarter last year, according to new figures.

The number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) for more than 12 months rose 23 per cent from 810 to 995, according to statistics published by the Office for National Statistics on April 17.

Long-term youth unemployment in the constituency - measured by those aged 18 to 24 claiming JSA - has risen by 29 per cent since March last year.

But unemployment from January 2012 to December last year was just below the London average (8.6 per cent compared to 9 per cent), though above the national figure of 7.9 per cent.

Erith and Thamesmead MP Teresa Pearce said: ""These are big increases in the numbers of local people who have been unemployed for a long time.

"It is getting clearer by the day that this Government is letting down our area.

"We need urgent action, starting with Labour's compulsory jobs guarantee to get anyone out of work for more than two years back into a job.

"I don’t want to see a whole generation condemned to long term unemployment."