HERTSMERE: Rise in jobless is 'tip of the iceberg' (From This Is Local London)

HERTSMERE: Rise in jobless is 'tip of the iceberg'

10:06am Friday 19th December 2008 in

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Unemployed people have swamped Hertsmere Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) with questions regarding redundancies and jobseeker’s allowance.

The “scary” extent of the recession has shocked bureau chief Heather Day, who said compared to last year, the number of queries regarding jobseeker’s allowance are predicted to double by April.

The rapid rise in demand has prompted urgent calls for funding for the service, based at Allum Lane Community Centre, in Elstree, which is mainly staffed by volunteers.

Ms Day said: “The figures are scary as we also have to consider they will be gathering pace for the last month of the year.

“Rarely a day goes by without reports of yet another company announcing job cuts.

“The unemployment situation at the moment is affecting a great number of people.

“We need additional funding, both for generalist and specialist money advice, and my main worry is that we have only seen the tip of the iceberg.”

The bureau received 188 calls regarding jobseeker’s allowance for the eight-month period from April to November this year — compared with 178 for the whole year from April last year to March this year.

Councillor Ann Harrison, Labour leader at Hertsmere Borough Council has also called for the ruling Conservatives to give the centre more funding, but the request was denied.

Ms Day added: “We have felt we have been busier over the past few months but it is only when you look at the figures you realise how intense demand has been.

“Next year is undoubtedly going to be a difficult year for many and we are expecting demand for our service to rise rapidly.

“We therefore urgently need further funding, both to deliver the service and to recruit and train more volunteers.”

Ms Harrison asked Hertsmere Borough Council in September to provide extra funding.

She said this week: “The CAB can drastically reduce the number of financial problems in the long-term.

“This motion was denied at the time but we can see now from the figures extra funding would be very useful.

“In September the financial problems were not as high profile as they are now so hopefully now the bureau can be helped.”

Councillor Morris Bright said at the time of the September meeting, no requests had been made by the CAB for funding.

He said: “The council gives a quarter-of-a-million to the CAB every year, which is four to five per cent of council tax.

“At the Local Strategic Partnership meeting last Thursday we mentioned we would be happy to discuss with Heather Day any extra funding that may be required.

“It is important to find out how much is needed but we have to consider other groups in the area.”

Mr Bright added the council has dealt with a huge surge in people applying for benefits.

He said: “On one side it is sad to see so many people going to the CAB to talk about redundancies but also good to see they are going to get help.

“This is a crucial service for people in the area.

“It is vital people don’t feel embarrassed to go to the CAB and deal with financial issues.”

Ms Day added: “If you are struggling to pay bills as a result of redundancy it’s vitally important to speak to your lenders straight away.

“If you would like free confidential advice on redundancy rights and entitlements, get in touch with us.

“We can give you a benefits check and provide advice on how to manage any debts you may have.”

Call 020 8953 9961 to book an appointment at the Elstree CAB.

Support is also available at Jobcentre Plus, in Elstree Way, Borehamwood, by calling 0845 60 60 234, or by visiting jobcentreplus.gov.uk