Croydon Labour: | Wicks hits out at 60% shock rise in youth unemployment

Wicks hits out at 60% shock rise in youth unemployment

Malcolm Wicks has slammed the Government's economic decisions and calls for more to be done as unemployment statistics released this week reveal a dramatic increase in the number of Croydon's young people on the dole long-term.

"Since January there has been a 60% rise in the number of young people on the dole for over six months in Croydon", Malcolm commented. "This is terrible news for young people in Croydon. The real worry is that we are seeing the return of long-term youth unemployment to our area. We need to get people back to work and off benefits or the scar of unemployment will do long-term damage.

"The Government's decision to cut too far and too fast is just not working. What we need is a change of direction. Labour's five-point plan for jobs growth, with a tougher tax on bankers' bonuses reinvested into the local economy, could help create hundreds of new jobs in Croydon.

"Sadly the Government doesn't understand that more people on the dole and claiming benefits rather than paying taxes will just make it more difficult to reduce the deficit."

Labour’s five-point plan for jobs

1. A £2 billion tax on bank bonuses to fund 100,000 jobs for young people – which they would be required to take-up – and build 25,000 more affordable homes.

2. Bringing forward long-term investment projects – schools, roads and transport – to get people back to work and strengthen our economy for the future.

3. Reversing January’s damaging VAT rise now for a temporary period – a £450 boost for a couple with children – immediate help for our high streets and for struggling families and pensioners.

4. A one year cut in VAT to 5% on home improvements, repairs and maintenance – to help homeowners and small businesses.

5. A one year national insurance tax break for every small firm which takes on extra workers – helping small businesses to grow and create jobs.