New Addington's rate of unemployment has doubled
UNEMPLOYMENT has more than doubled in New Addington during the past four years.
Statistics for December reveal 5.9 per cent of those in New Addington – and 7 per cent of those in Fieldway – are now claiming Jobseekers' Allowance.
This compares to 2.6 per cent and 3.3 per cent respectively in December 2007.
Both figures are worse than the Croydon average, which currently stands at 4.7 per cent.
The national average is 3.9 per cent.
Vice chairman of the Central Parade Business Partnership, Mark Carruthers, thinks the new results are a reflection of the tough economic situation, coupled with young people in the area feeling "forgotten about".
"These are disappointing figures, that is a fact," he said. "But I think there a number of factors as to why our stats are so high compared with what they are nationally.
"For me, I think the youth around here feel left out, they feel forgotten about. There is not a huge amount they can do to get on the work ladder because where people are losing their jobs, these same people are going for jobs they are overqualified for.
"What I think we need to see is more apprentice-style posts where people can learn on the job while training up. I think that would really help in lowering these unemployment statistics."
Some 115 of the 359 people claiming in New Addington are aged between 18 and 24.
In Fieldway, 155 of the 451 claimants are of the same age bracket.
19 Comments
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by Jusu
Friday, February 17 2012, 3:38PM
“It would be interesting to find out what secondary schools these people went to.”
by Misterkipling
Saturday, February 11 2012, 9:46AM
“people keep referring to zones in New Addington as Wards
Is this a genuine term or a term coined by the locals because some people from different areas like to put eachother in hospital?”
by Crease2000
Saturday, February 04 2012, 9:07PM
“Can you imagine how even more catastrophic this would be if the abortion rate hadn't increased?”
by Krystal333
Saturday, February 04 2012, 8:49PM
“The3rd - There are 2 identified wards - Fieldway and New Addington. In reality, most people just use New Addington when asked where they live”
by The3rd
Friday, February 03 2012, 1:40PM
“Is Fieldway a seperate place to New Addington? I've never heard anyone say "I come from Fieldway". I thought the whole lot was New Addington?
Msbloggs - at the next election, hopefully Mr Pearson will be voted out on his backside. As you say, a vicious thug has no place in politics.”
by msbloggs
Thursday, February 02 2012, 9:10PM
“We just forget about Mr pearson his no example to set to young people.
Anyway, The first thing is the young people have got to want to work, some want to some dont.”
by tbabygib
Thursday, February 02 2012, 8:00PM
“The thing that everyone are forgetting is the size of the population in New Addington/Fieldway compared to Shirley, Addiscombe, Selsdon, West Croydon, Purley and so on. Of cause the rate of unemployment is going to be higher along with anything else you want to pin on us.
Most of the other Wards in Croydon, Have a population of a Village compared to addo and Fieldway.
And No, the councils be who they maybe, are Not interested and Never have or will be to make it any better because CROYDON is the Most important.
No wonder we feel I the forgotten people!”
by Dxhawk
Thursday, February 02 2012, 7:15PM
“No political party can claim any glory in any of these unemployment figures, and in fact should all hold there heads in shame that things are like this.
I grew up in New Addington and still live in Croydon and feel that successive Councils and Governments have totally let down the town and also not invested in the people whatsoever.
In interest are there any figures showing each are of Croydon so could compare areas such as Shirley, Addiscombe, West Croydon etc? if so I really would like to see as maybe that gives a clearer assessment of the borough.”
by Chris_Wilcox
Thursday, February 02 2012, 6:32PM
“Correcting false info being spread is not 'points-scoring'. And those who have done the work genuinely deserve the credit. Accuracy has to be there.
As for how little has been spent up there? Blame The Council. And the Mayor. And keep campaigning. But please do not forget that it is politicians who give you the cash you need. There's a point where, whether you like it or not, you have to pick a side. Croydon is down £1/2 bil in investment due to this Tory govt axing Croydons' Labour lifeline for example. Some of that investment would have made it to New Addo.
Being neutral doesn't always work.”
by Pathfinders
Thursday, February 02 2012, 5:47PM
“Chris - please let Pathfinders correct the record once and for all. Each Political party can say they "did a bit, it may not have been enough, but it was something" - if you live here that is simply not good enough - whichever Political party is saying it to you!!!
New Addington / Fieldway can pick out things both Labour and Conservative Governments/Borough Councils have done, but for those who have lived and or worked here for many years - it is quite clear that from a Council and Policing point of view there simply hasn't been and continues not to be, enough input and targeted accomplishments. Lack of resources, regeneration and investment opportunities haven't happened overnight! Systemic failure to tackle issues takes time you know :P
A whole community cannot benefit from political point-scoring and surely you are now doing exactly what you state Cllr Pearson is doing - aaaaaargh :/
Pathfinders don't give up their time voluntarily with no pay to score points for what we may work to achieve. We do however wish to give a voice to a community, actively link the many groups etc we have up here, and help work on and/or promote any project which benefits the area and those who live or work within it.”