The Sun: Lottie Dexter responds to the youth unemployment stats

15 November 2012

Lottie Dexter writes for The Sun

We really hope that this is the start of a promising trend. But we should not get carried away as the numbers are still dangerously high.

Youth unemployment is below one million for the second month running, but 963,000 young people remain locked out of the job market.

The government must pay special attention to the 894,000 people who have been out of work for more than one year, and 443,000 who have been jobless for more than two years. The odds are stacked against them. And their situation harms their families, communities and the country as a whole.

It is devastating that so many people have been out of work for so long. It means they are likely to be worse off for the rest of their lives. All political parties need to be more focused on this crucial issue.

We must make it easier for employers to hire unemployed youngsters, and give them a first shot.

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