Lib Dems call for action as Winchester unemployment hits a new high, especially among the under 25s

5.11.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 21st Sep 2009

Unemployment in the Winchester hit a new high in August 2009 at 1,305, up 107 since July.

This is more than twice the level a year ago (606) and the biggest increase in a single month since February

The biggest increase over the last year and in the last month is amongst the under 25s. Around 380 (29%) of the total are aged between 17 and 24. This is the highest figure since September 1996.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Winchester, Martin Tod, commented:

"The high level of unemployment amongst young people is a real problem. When companies stop hiring, it's usually the young who are worst affected."

"During the last recession, some people were shut out of the labour market for so long they later found it almost impossible to get back to work. It's essential that we help young people get their first step on the employment ladder."

"We should fund this by scrapping the pointless VAT cut. I'd like to see the Government funding extra university and college places, creating more apprenticeships and introducing a paid internship scheme. Young people who can't get work should have the chance to build their skills and make themselves more employable."