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500 jobless under 25s are thrown a lifeline
Reporter: Lobby Correspondent
Date online: 26/01/2010
MORE than 500 jobless youths in Oldham have been promised work or training under a Government drive to protect a generation of young people from the “scarring effects” of long-term unemployment.
The guaranteed offer of a job, training or work experience position is now available to anyone under the age of 25 who has been out of work for six months.
The scheme, called the Young Person’s Guarantee, is being part-funded by Chancellor Alistair Darling’s move to impose a 50 per cent tax on bankers’ bonuses this year.
Latest figures show up to 100,000 unemployed 16-24-year-olds in Britain, including 565 across Oldham, will be eligible to benefit from the guarantee straight away through their Jobcentres.
Ministers said young people were already being helped by an increase in education and training places this year and an expansion of specialist support through Jobcentres. However, they believe more help is needed as the economy recovers to avoid the problem of youth unemployment continuing to rise for years after the recession has ended.
Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The extra investment has already been critical to keeping unemployment 450,000 lower than expected.
“But despite the latest welcome fall in unemployment, now is the time to increase help not cut it back. We need to make sure young people do not suffer the scarring effects of long term unemployment.
“Extra help is already available to young people and many thousands more are in work, education or training as a result. But we want to guarantee every young person the right support.
“That’s why this guarantee is starting now.”
Have Your Say
Yes it ahs all happened before, all attempts been made to get them into work, work that is just there............ yes they all need jobs, they all need to earn there way, they all need to pay tax, council tax, and nat. insurance etc...............
Fact is we need to have the jobs to give to these people - young, middleaged and older workers........
We'll probably soon see photos of Sykes, Alcock and Parker claiming credit for this government initiative.
Another futile promise of false hope to the young. For the fourth time in my lifetime (1951, 64, 79 & 2010), Labour look like losing office and leaving behind their usual, predictable and hideous mess. This time it's bigger than ever! What's the point of throwing any lifeline, when you've already well and truly sunk the ship? The true cost of people’s three-term carelessness is yet to be revealed. Does anyone have a remedy for the 'scarring effects' of long-term Labour?
By A G H @ 26/01/2010 12:59:59
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