CORNISH YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT DOUBLES

5.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 29th Jun 2009

Official statistics show that youth unemployment in Cornwall has doubled since last year and now almost 3,000 18-24 year olds are claiming job seekers allowance. In May 2008, 1460 young people were officially out of work - a third of the total number of job seekers in Cornwall. But at the same stage last month, the figure had risen to 2710 claimants.

Julia Goldsworthy MP challenged Government Ministers in the House of Commons today to act more quickly to give young people the support and training they need to help them break out of unemployment.

Under existing government plans, re-announced by the Prime Minister today, young people will only get access to specialist support and training once they have been out of work for a year. According to Julia Goldsworthy this help will come too late for those already hit by the economic downturn.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy said:

"Young people are bearing the brunt of the recession - and need help ensure they get a foothold in the jobs market as soon as possible. With thousands of new school leavers and graduates about to finish their studies, it's more important than ever that support is provided sooner rather than later.

"Over the last few years Job Centres have closed all over the county - so even where support for young people is available, many find it too difficult to access. School leavers and recent graduates need intensive support to see them through tough times - the last thing they need is to be left to their own devices when they are likely to be facing their first year in the jobs market, and their first year of unemployment."