Shock rise in young jobless figures

Ayrshire risks losing an entire generation to unemployment unless more action is taken.

That’s the cry from Scottish Labour MSP Colin Smyth.

Statistics compiled by Scottish Labour have revealed that the number of young people (16-24) who are receiving social security payments In East Ayrshire, between February and May, rose by 61.1 per cent, from 720 in February to 1160 in May. This is 10 per cent of the region’s working population.

In South Ayrshire, the figures rose by 54.8 per cent during this period, from 575 to 890.

Colin Smyth is calling on the UK and Scottish Governments to act now and implement a proper jobs guarantee scheme, or risk losing an entire generation to the ravages of unemployment.

The MSP said:“These figures are shocking and show that youth unemployment in Ayrshire is spiralling out of control. These huge rises in just a couple of months are devastating for each and every one of those young people involved and as the UK Government furlough scheme comes to an end that number is set to rise.

“It shows that not only should that scheme be extended but we urgently need a quality jobs guarantee scheme to support business to retain and take on young people. The UK and Scottish Government must act swiftly and decisively to provide a future for all of our young people.”