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Burnham For Mayor

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Youth Unemployment up 86% in Leigh

This is terrible news for young people in Leigh. Since January there has been a staggering 86% rise in young people on the dole for over six months. The real worry will be that we are seeing the scar of long term youth unemployment return to our area.

Labour's 5 point plan for jobs and growth would get our area moving again. Labour’s youth jobs fund, paid for by a tax on Banker’s bonuses, could get 18,000 young people back into work in the North West.

We need to get people back to work and off benefits, or the scar of unemployment will do long term damage. At the moment we are stuck in a vicious cycle, with more people on benefits and out of work the deficit is harder to get down.

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.