THE number of people on the dole in Welwyn Hatfield has reached its highest level since 1996. Statistics just released by the Office for National Statistics show 1,833 people claimed Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) in the borough in April 2009. This is the

THE number of people on the dole in Welwyn Hatfield has reached its highest level since 1996.

Statistics just released by the Office for National Statistics show 1,833 people claimed Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) in the borough in April 2009.

This is the highest number since 1,892 signed on in July 1996 and is more than double the 901 who were on the dole in January 2008.

Across the UK as a whole, more than 2m people are currently out of work.