Plaid offers package of support for youngsters

PLAID CYMRU wants to eradicate youth unemployment with a guaranteed job through a national citizens service for 18 to 24-year-olds.

The Plaid economy and infrastructure spokesman Adam Price will outline a “Youth Basic Income” at the party’s conference in Caernarfon.

Mr Price said Plaid would offer a “most comprehensive package of support for young people across the entire world” made up of four options.

The proposal would include a “guaranteed” job, a national citizen service, support for further and higher education and an enterprise allowance helping young people start their own business.

The national citizen service would be a paid 12-month placement similar to the AmeriCorps model.

For the year to the end of June 2017 youth unemployment in Wales was 13.1%, compared to the overall unemployment rate of 4% between June and August.

Mr Price, AM for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said ahead of his conference speech: “The depth of Plaid Cymru’s passion and commitment to our nation will not be enough in themselves to deliver the change in fortunes our country so desperately needs. The quality of our ideas will be fundamental.

“Today I will be announcing four policies Nova Cambria [Plaid think tank] will explore.

“From additional business support for Welsh companies, replacing the out-dated business rates, to delivering the most comprehensive... support for young people across the entire world, Plaid Cymru will deliver the policies... to enhance the nation’s prosperity.”