Labour is failing local youth on employment (Chris Nicholson)

Labour is failing local youth on employment

August 17, 2009 4:47 PM

Local Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesman Chris Nicholson has attacked the Labour government's record on youth unemployment after it emerged that the jobless rate for those aged 16 to 24 who are actively seeking work is now nearly one in five.

Office of National Statistics figures show that in 2008 the overall unemployment rate in Streatham constituency was 8.5%, up from 4.4% when Gordon Brown took office as Prime Minister in June 2007. Adult unemployment in Britain has now increased to 2.4 million, the highest

level since 1995.

Chris Nicholson said "It is now clear that the unemployment situation under Labour is worse than when they took office. They have not done enough to counter the effects of the recession on employment. Labour's flagship New Deal policies on youth unemployment are clearly not targeted at dealing with the problem. We need more action to make sure this generation finds employment, education, or training."

While figures show that the number of 18-24 year olds claiming Jobseekers Allowance benefits has increased by 60% since August 2008, it is feared the real scale of youth unemployment in Streatham is not yet known, as not all of those unemployed qualify for or claim benefits.

Chris said: "Young people in our area should not have to wait a year for a guarantee of a job or training place. With vacancies at a record

low, it is vital that we prevent today's school and uni leavers from becoming a lost generation of chronically unemployed. They should receive intensive support as soon as they sign on instead of having to wait."