We can't afford another lost generation
17th February 2011
Southampton’s Labour MPs have condemned the Tory-led Government in light of yesterday’s news that unemployment has risen dramatically.
Unemployment increased by 44,000 in the last quarter; reaching a total of 2.49 million. Young people have fared particularly badly, with the number of unemployed 16-24-year-olds increasing by 44,000 to reach 965,000. This is the largest number of unemployed young people since 1992.
John Denham, MP for Southampton Itchen, said:
“There are well over 1,000 unemployed young people across Southampton who will be facing a summer of anxiety because this Tory-led Government has torn up opportunities across the board – the Future Jobs Fund was scrapped, EMAs have been done away with and Universities have pushed out of reach.”
Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, said:
“There are now at least four people chasing every job that’s advertised in Southampton. It’s clear the Tory approach to the economy isn’t working. It’s time the Government told us what their plan is to avoid another Lost Generation.”
More information
- In Southampton Itchen there is a ratio of 4.06 JSA claimants to every vacancy advertised by Jobcente Plus; in Southampton Test the ratio is 5.17; while in Romsey and Southampton North it is 3.87.
- As of December 2010 there were 583 16-24-year-olds claiming JSA in Southampton Itchen; 610 in Southampton Test; and 225 in Romsey and Southampton North.
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