UKIP to give Labour a bloody nose in South Shields? – Media roundup: May 2nd, 2013

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UKIP to give Labour “bloody nose” in South Shields?

“Labour figures worry that byelection could prove Ukip’s strongest showing yet as voters turn against mainstream parties. The United Kingdom Independence Party is confident it will inflict a “bloody nose” on the Labour party in Thursday’s South Shields byelection. Amid growing fears among senior Labour figures that Ukip could achieve its strongest ever byelection showing in South Shields – and possibly even capture the seat – Ukip sources said they are winning support from the “bloody infantry” hit by Britain’s main parties.” – Guardian

Nearly a third of young people in work “underemployed”

“The evidence suggests that the lack of job opportunities for young people during the downturn is even worse than Government figures have suggested. Across all age groups, the proportion of the workforce who were jobless or underemployed rose from 6.2 per cent in 2008 to 9.9 per cent, the according to a report from the the National Institute for Economic and Social Research (Niesr). Over the same period the unemployment rate rose from 5.8 per cent to 8 per cent. However the problem was most acute among the young. Official figures show that nearly a million 16 to 24-year-olds are out of work. But the calculations suggest even more are not being given as many hours as they wish. The study, written by former Bank of England policymaker David Blanchflower and fellow economist David Bell, found that 30 per cent of young people wanted to work more.” – Telegraph

Other highlights

• How the Tories are spinning today’s elections – ConHome
• Miliband’s turn as street preacher is hampered by his lack of disciples – New Statesman
• Why Britain needs South Africa – Peter Hain, Guardian