WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has demanded that the Government do more to tackle youth unemployment after the latest figures showed the number of young people in long term unemployment in Warrington had risen by 230 per cent since January.
The latest figures showed that the number of people aged between 18-24 years old claiming Job Seeker's Allowance (JSA) for more than six months in Warrington had increased from 115 in January to 380 in October.
Ms Jones said: "The latest figures are the clearest proof yet that the Government doesn't have a plan to get the economy growing and to get people back to work. A 230 per cent rise in long term youth unemployment is an absolute travesty and requires urgent action.
"The Government needs a change of direction. What we now need is a new plan. Labour's five point plan for jobs and growth would create 100,000 jobs for young people by taxing bank bonuses. Getting people, particularly the young, back to work is quite simply the safest, surest way to get the deficit down.
"Studies have shown that extended periods of unemployment are incredibly damaging for young people and can affect their future. Young people in Warrington didn't cause the financial crisis but it looks like this Government is making them pay for it."