Colchester Labour Party

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Shadow Minister highlights Labour's jobs plan

Youth unemployment toped the agenda at a local economic forum chaired by Labour's Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Rachel Reeves MP, in Wivenhoe today.

The event, organised by Colchester Labour Party, brought together Councillors, community leaders, student representatives and local residents to talk about the local economy. Ms Reeves talked about Labour's five point plan for jobs and growth and also heard at first hand stories about the tough times facing local people.

Colchester Labour Party Chairman Jordan Newell, said

“Rachel’s visit to Wivenhoe to hear about the ‘tough times’ facing local people is very relevant today. The latest youth unemployment figures are the clearest sign yet that young people are bearing the brunt of Tory economic plans – plans that are hurting, not working.”

The Shadow Minister's visit came on the day the Bank of England forecast a 'worsened' economic outlook for the UK. Ms Reeves, a former Bank of England economist, answered a wide range of questions on the economy, unemployment and housing and planning.

"First they blamed Labour, then they blamed the winter weather, now the Tories blame Europe. Today we've seen unemployment rise and growth targets slashed. We need a Plan B for our economy, and Labour has one," Jordan Newell added.

Youth unemployment is now at a record high, with over a million 16 to 24 year olds now out of work while the number of women unemployed increased to its highest level since February 1988. In some parts of Essex, youth unemployment is now running at 10%.

Ashley Rudge, Vice President of Essex University Students Union, said:

"The sharp rise in youth unemployment figures we've seen today represents this governments failure towards aspiring young people, and a further blow the Britain's economic recovery. The coalition's policies are making education and training increasingly inaccessible and turning businesses off hiring school leavers and recent graduates."

To find out more about Labour's 5 Point Plan for Jobs and Growth, visit www.labour.org.uk/plan