Councillor Kevin Keenan
Unemployment soars by 70 per cent amongst 18-24 year olds in Dundee
Unemployment soars by 70 per cent amongst 18-24 year olds in Dundee
8 November 2011
The number of unemployed 18-24 year olds in Dundee has risen by over 70 per cent in the past 4 years.
Last month , September 2011, there were 1,690 such people in Dundee unable to find work.
Four years ago, in September 2007, the number was 980.
Virtually every area of the city has seen the toll of young jobless rise.
Commenting on the figures, Councillor Kevin Keenan, Labour group leader on Dundee City Council said,
" Those who will be the future generation that shapes Dundee are being hit particularly hard by the current economic situation as unemployment continues to rise and as public sector funding is cut more.
" The jobs in the private sector that were supposed to have been created by the cutbacks haven’t materialised , the deep cuts in benefits means even less money to spend which in turn will damage the local economy.
"The Government must respond to the growing demands for new policies that puts jobs first.
" Young age groups like the 18 to 24 year old age group are particularly important not just for themselves because it’s when people enter their first job after school, college or university.
"It’s also important for the city itself .
"The future success of the city depends on them being in sustained employment."