TORY WAR ON YOUTH SERVICES
4,500 jobs axed & £13m funding cut
MORE than 4,500 youth workers’ jobs and over 760 centres for young people have been axed since 2012, research has revealed.
The Tories also cut £13.3million from youth services in just three years.
Union Unison, which compiled the data, said the Government is putting young people’s futures at risk, and is calling for the funding of youth services to be made compulsory.
General secretary Dave Prentis said: “Youth services help with employment, training and education, potential mental health issues, and act to prevent alcohol and substance abuse, as well as crime and antisocial behaviour. Youth workers are invaluable in ensuring young people have a positive role in society.” Unison’s study shows that just 50% of youth workers think their council is delivering quality services, and 90% say cuts have impacted their work. Since 2010, £400million has been slashed from youth service budgets. Labour MP Cat Smith, Shadow Minister for Youth Affairs, said: “The Tories have created the conditions in which crime can thrive, leaving young people vulnerable to violence.”