Commenting on today’s figures showing the number of young jobless continues to hover around one million Lottie Dexter, Director of the youth unemployment campaign Million Jobs, said:
“The latest figures show youth unemployment remains largely unchanged with the total number of young people out of work rising to 957,000. Similarly, the youth unemployment rate has stuck at 20.5%.
“Stubborn long-term youth unemployment shows no signs of easing with 265,000 16-24 year olds having been jobless for more than one year, and 431,000 out-of-work for over six months.”
“This is undoubtedly one of the biggest problems of our time. The effects are sorely felt by nearly one million individuals and their families, and ripple through communities, society and the economy today and for years to come.
“Voters say that youth unemployment is the third most important issue facing the country, and 80% think that the Government’s policy is not working.
“All political parties need to step up the plate and take big, bold action to combat youth unemployment. They must look at the most effective ways to help more businesses – particularly small and medium enterprises –take on more young people.”
Contact
Lottie Dexter
Director, Million Jobs
lottie@millionjobs.org.uk
07964 573 977
Notes to editors
1) Million Jobs stands up for young people without work. We want government, companies and communities to make a big, organised effort to give our young people a first shot. You can learn more about the campaign at www.millionjobs.org.uk
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