30/06/09 - Swindon Tops Table for Rise in Jobless Youth - Another Labour Failure

A report revealing that youth unemployment in Swindon is growing faster than anywhere else in Britain is further damning evidence of Labour's economic failure, say the town's two prospective Conservative MPs.

The report, by respected independent think-tank Centre for Cities, shows the jobless rate among young people has risen more in Swindon than any other town in the UK.

The organisation surveyed the number of young people in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance in February 2008 and May 2009, and compared the two totals.  Out of all 63 areas surveyed, Swindon saw the biggest increase.

In February last year, 2.39% of young people in Swindon were in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance;  the figure last month had risen to 7.67%.  The increase of 5.28% is the highest of any town or city in the country.

Justin Tomlinson, Conservative parliamentary candidate for North Swindon, said, “The fact that Swindon – a town with two Labour MPs – has the biggest increase in youth unemployment in Britain, clearly shows Labour’s failure.  Gordon Brown should call a general election now, and let a Conservative government sort out the mess”.

Robert Buckland, Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Swindon, said, “For the 1 in 13 young people in Swindon without a job, this is a terrible situation.  Labour simply don’t have the answers, and should make way for a Conservative government without delay”.

The full report can be seen at http://www.centreforcities.org/