2011 press releases

28th Nov: Local MP welcomes £1billion fund to tackle youth unemployment

A £1billion government fund to tackle youth unemployment has been welcomed by local MP, Norman Baker.

The Youth Contract, starting in April next year, is government's new fund and will provide at least 410,000 new work places for 18 to 24 years over the next three years, including 160,000 wages subsidised placements and 250,000 new work experience places. In addition, 20,000 more incentive payments will be provided to encourage employers to take on young apprentices.

The news comes following concerning figures about the level of youth unemployment in the UK which has reached one million. In the Lewes constituency, there are 475 young people not in education, training or work.

Norman says: "We are facing tough economic times, but we cannot allow the young unemployed to be forgotten about and put on the scrap heap - penalised for the debts racked up by other generations. This fund is about getting them job opportunities and opportunities to learn on the job, to put them on a sure footing for the future. We must make sure they are either learning or earning and this targeted fund announced by the Lib Dems in government is something that I certainly welcome."

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