Let’s find work for more of our young people

Vow as jobless total falls

Unemployment a m o n g yo u n g people has dropped almost two- thirds in Renfrewshire since the turn of the decade, statistics reveal.

Jobcentre chiefs say almost 1,000 more 18 to 24-year-olds are in work.

The number on benefits continues to fall – down six per cent in the last quarter.

But dole queues lengthened with 255 older claimants in need of work, compared to the same time last year.

Paisley MSP George Adam said: “These employment figures are encouraging but it is something that has to be continually worked on.

“Many of us remember the days in the early eighties where unemployment was a price some thought was worth paying.

“This was particularly hard on young people those coming out of school who never found jobs.

“Some of the consequences of this experience resulted in generations knowing nothing else but unemployment.

“This cannot happen again and we must do what we can to ensure we never endure those experiences again.

“Experiencing the challenges to employment in Scotland in the early 1980s was one thing that got me and many of those in the Scottish government in to politics.

“I know that we will do all we can to ensure that everyone gets a fair chance to develop the careers that they want.”

There are 570 people aged between 18 and 24 claiming out- of- work benefits in Renfrewshire.

Only 35 more are in work compared to the same time last year.

But 960 have found employment since 2010 – a boost of 63 per cent.

There are 3,290 adults outside the age bracket out of work in region.

Jobcentre bosses need to find positions for an extra 255 people aged 25 and over.

Benefit claims have rocketed almost eight per cent for among those in the older age bracket.

Despite the jump, hand- outs have been slashed 38 per cent since the turn of the decade.

Nationally, the number of adults out of work increased by 3,000 over the last quarter, but is down 8,000 over the year.

Now Sc o t l a n d ’ s unemployment level stands at 115,000.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell warns more must be done to find employment for over-25s.

He said: “These figures show that unemployment has risen in Scotland and that is concerning.

“Wi t h S c o t l a n d’s economy lagging behind the rest of the UK, it is urgent that the Scottish Government takes action to help boost productivity and support jobs.

“The UK Government is delivering for Scotland through city and growth deals, as well as giving workers a payrise by increasing the National Living Wage. Now it’s time for the Scottish Government to use their powers to grow the economy and get more people back into work.”

Jobcentre staff say employers have dozens of roles needing filled across Renfrewshire.