'Young Persons Guarantee' launched to help unemployed
An initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment has been launched by the Department of Work and Pensions. The 'Young Person's Guarantee' pledges to provide a job, training or work experience to every 16 to 24 year old unemployed person.
The £1bn project is targeted at providing jobs for young people in specific unemployment areas.
In London, the problem is particularly acute with 53,800 people aged 18-24 claiming unemployment benefits. (Dec 09)
'A good start'
Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper has told the Politics Show London:
"We're guaranteeing young people either a job, training or work experience, a good start to get on the career ladder.
"Some of the young people I've spoken to are doing some fantastic jobs - working with young people, working to stop youngsters going into gangs, or helping them to get into sport. "
London has the second highest rate of youth unemployment in the UK at 27%. 53,800 people aged 18-24 are claiming unemployment benefits in the capital.
This is an increase of 13,100 - or 32% - since December 2008 when 41,000 were claiming.
But the Benefits system, since 1997, has become increasingly complex and claiming is now more complicated and confusing, deterring some from applying. Young people also miss out on Tax credits, unlike other workers.
The Politics Show broadcasts at 1200 GMT on BBC One and for seven days after on the BBC iPlayer
Source: BBC