Minister backing help for jobless
The minister met staff and local unemployed people during a swift tour of the centre in Western Way before yesterday's cabinet meeting.
She told the Echo it was vital for the Government to continue investing in schemes like the Future Job Fund, which aims to create 170,000 additional jobs, primarily aimed at 18- to 24-year-olds who have been out of work for nearly a year.
And she pointed out that Exeter's unemployment rate of 2.4 per cent in December 2009 was well below the 7.8 per cent seen in the city in December 1992.
"We know it's still tough for a lot of people," said Ms Cooper. "It's very welcome that unemployment figures are much lower than people expected last year and I think the most recent figures show a small drop in unemployment in Exeter.
"There are still a lot of vacancies being reported to Exeter Jobcentre but it's still much harder for jobseekers than two years ago and we know it's going to be tough for some months to come. That's why I think it's important we provide every help and support."
"In the 1980s and 1990s we saw a big increase in unemployment after the recession finished.
"That's why we are putting more investment in now and providing more support for young people especially who are out of work, and this would be the worst possible time to cut back."
Some 63 young people in the Exeter area have so far started jobs with organisations including Devon Wildlife Trust and Mind through the Future Jobs Fund and Jobcentre staff are currently seeking to fill another 25 vacancies.
Yvette Cooper
