THE surge in unemployment in Bedfordshire since the recession began to bite at the end of last year has been raised in The House of Commons by MP for North East Beds Alistair Burt. Mr Burt criticised the Government for not connecting schemes designed to

THE surge in unemployment in Bedfordshire since the recession began to bite at the end of last year has been raised in The House of Commons by MP for North East Beds Alistair Burt.

Mr Burt criticised the Government for not 'connecting' schemes designed to help business and employment with those searching for information.

But Mr Burt has been speaking with local parish and town councils asking them about the local 'neighbourly' response to suffering from the rise in unemployment, and what further support might be available.

"Unemployment has risen over 160 per cent in a year in North East Bedfordshire. I have dealt with a number of companies that have asked for information about Government announced schemes for help, but could not get it, which has cost them. They must get more joined up," said Mr Burt.

"But there is a real human cost to unemployment, and often those affected find it hard to talk about it. That is why I am meeting with local parish and town councils, and will be asking what more we can do, perhaps with the support of churches and community groups, to offer practical help and comfort to those involved.

"We might be able to think of some good local initiatives, and I shall keep people posted about this.