Adrian calls for urgent action on youth unemployment

9th November 2011

Adrian Bailey MP has called on the Conservative-led Government for more to be done about the dramatic rise in long term youth unemployment in Sandwell

Speaking in a debate in the House of Commons, Adrian spoke of the need for radical government measures to halt the dramatic rise in youth unemployment in the area.

New figures released by Labour today have shown that since January there has been a 106% rise in young people on the dole for six months or more in West Bromwich West.

Adrian said:

“We need something done about this fast. Long term youth unemployment is rising fast. Since January there has been a 106% rise in young people on the dole for more than six months in West Bromwich West.

"I call on the Government to continue funding for the graduate intern scheme-funding for internships in businesses. This it helps the small businesses and graduates, and the cost would be lower than that of keeping them unemployed.

“Small businesses are crying out for a financial incentive to encourage them to employ young people. The Government has introduced national insurance breaks but the existing scheme has not been very successful, and there is £850 million allocated for it. It should be broadened to existing businesses or, as the CBI says, a possible cash payment should be established for companies that take on young people and give them meaningful employment.

“These are not the words of tax-and-spend merchants; they are coming from the Federation of Small Businesses and the CBI—the authentic voice of the business community. If the Conservative-led Government do that, without great cost, it could make an impact on youth unemployment."