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Young unemployed people must be helped to find jobs, councils have urged after official figures revealed 20% of 16-24 year olds are out of work. The latest jobless figures revealed a lower than expected increase in unemployment of just 30,000. There are now 2.4m not in work, according to the Government – a total heralded as signs of recovery. But the same figures revealed nearly 20% of 16 – 24 year olds are out of work and Local Government Association chairwoman Cllr Margaret Eaton, called for action from Whitehall departments and councils. She warned only a co-ordinated response would avoid a lost generation: ‘Nobody wants our children to grow up in a world where their potential is wasted by a system which doesn't give them the right support at the right times. ‘Government departments, national agencies, voluntary organisations and local authorities all work to different targets and agendas, and that muddies the water and prevents a coherent approach to dealing with the issue of young people who aren't working or getting any form of training.' She added: ‘The billions of pounds being paid out each year in benefits is simply money down the drain if ways aren't found of using that money to help people change their lives for the better. Very few people want to depend on benefits to support their families or put food on the table, but the current system can sometimes work against them. ‘Councils know where the work opportunities are, and they know what barriers prevent teenagers and young adults reaching their full potential in their local areas. Local government has the ideas to put that right, now we need the powers to make that happen.'

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WHITEHALL

Young unemployed 'must be helped' to find jobs

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