Support the million

It has been announced today that there are now over 1 million young people unemployed in this country– the highest number since records began.

A whole generation of young people that want to work and contribute to our economy are being consigned to the scrapheap by a government with no plan for growth.

Over a million young people who’ve grown up being told the world is their oyster and now some of them can’t even secure an interview despite submitting hundreds of applications.  A million young people whose talents and energy are being wasted as they are confined to benefits and their skills not put to use. A million young people who can play a crucial role in helping our economy rebuild and grow- but are being locked out of the workplaces that need their capacity and creativity.

The Government have for many months made thinly veiled references to caring about young people. They have claimed the private sector will come to the rescue, that apprenticeships will provide the answer.

But as the Government’s cuts implemented too far and too fast stunt consumer demand, the private sector is struggling to fill the gaps. As it was revealed this week, some companies have even resorted to using apprenticeship money to cover training for older workers. The demand for action to support our young would-be-workers has become more needed than ever.

It cannot be left to young people alone to highlight the ineffective and dangerous damage this government’s policies are doing to the next generation. Policies such as scrapping the cost effective and employer endorsed Future Jobs Fund – a scheme which successfully secured young people work and put the money taxpayers were spending through benefits to productive use.

With over 1 million young people now unemployed, the next generation is in real danger of becoming the lost generation.

There is an alternative. We are calling on this government to get a grip on growth, and implement Labour’s 5 point plan for jobs and growth.  Plans such as a bankers’ bonus tax to fund 100,000 jobs for young people.

Join Young Labour in maintaining pressure and keeping the plight of the 1 million young and unemployed in the focus of the public eye:

• Signing the petition for a bankers’ bonus tax to fund 100,000 jobs for young people

• Film a video with the message ‘I support Labour’s plan for jobs and growth’. Send your clip to [email protected]

• Encourage your friends to join Young Labour for a £1 and help build our movement to campaign for better rights for the next generation