New figures released today by Liam Byrne show that there are now fewer people coming off benefits and into work than at any time since 1996.
 
Unemployment is at its highest level in 17 years and rising, there are more young people out of work than ever and there are more than twice as many young people long-term unemployed than there were a year ago. By any objective measure it is clear that the Government’s Work Programme has not got to grips with Britain’s jobs crisis. 

Rachel Reeves MP, Labour's Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, responding to today's inflation figures said:

"It's now clear we have the worst of all worlds - high inflation, rising unemployment and a stagnant economy since last autumn. When Britain now has the highest inflation of any EU country except Estonia, families and pensioners feeling the squeeze want out of touch Ministers to take some responsibility and take action now.

Ed Miliband MP, Leader of the Labour Party, and Ed Balls MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, today launched Labour’s campaign for jobs and growth to boost Britain’s economy.