Youth unemployment ‘still rising’
By politics.co.uk staff
Youth unemployment is still rising across two-thirds of the country, according to the TUC.
The group used official data to show that young people were one of the groups hardest hit by the recession.
The number of 18- to 24-year-olds on the dole for over six months increased in 142 local authorities, compared to just 78 where it had fallen, the TUC said.
“Young people were hit particularly hard by the recession and with the government focusing on spending cuts, rather than getting people back into work, they may not fare much better during the recovery,” said TUC general secretary Brendan Barber.
The analysis of Jobseekers’ Allowance data suggested long-term youth unemployment is up more than a fifth on a year ago.
It added fire to the TUC’s demands that the government reconsider its decision to scrap the Future Jobs Fund, which provided a platform for charities and businesses to train young people and get them into long-term employment.
“The government has yet to announce similarly well-funded support to get people back into decent paid work. Young people struggling for work this summer should be very concerned by the government’s silence,” Mr Barber added.
