New figures from the Office for National Statistics show the number of people claiming unemployment related benefits in North West Norfolk has risen by 275 since Labour came to power, rising from 1,740 to 2,015.
This reflects a worrying national picture across the UK, the claimant count has climbed from 1,640,155 at the time of the General Election to at 1,722,830 in March 2026.
Employers have highlighted the damaging £25 billion a year increase in employers national insurance in the Chancellor’s first Budget as the main reason for them increase in unemployment, particularly the loss of part time and jobs for young people
In his role on the Shadow Treasury team, James has consistently opposed Labour’s higher taxes on business including on jobs, warning that they undermine confidence, increase the cost of employing people, and ultimately reduce hiring.
James has also been meeting local businesses across North West Norfolk, including alongside Kemi Badenoch on King’s Lynn high street as part of the Conservative’s Stronger High Streets campaign, to hear directly about the pressures they are facing and to discuss practical policies to help them grow including scrapping business rates for retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses.
James Wild MP said:
“Labour’s damaging higher taxes and extra costs on business are as a result more people without a job. It’s particularly concerning youth unemployment continues to increase meaning young people are losing out on opportunities to make a start in life and instead are left on benefits.
“It doesn’t have to be like this. The government should act now to help firms by scrapping business rates, cutting regulation, and supporting our high streets so more people have the security a job brings.”
