New figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the number of black and minority ethnic (BAME) young people aged 18-24 out of work for over a year has risen by 49 per cent since 2010. Labour have already pledged to guarantee every young person out of work for over a year and claiming benefits a paid starter job and training will help more than 3,200 BAME young people back into work.
The figures are being revealed as Labour Shadow Ministers host a roundtable discussion with young people and charities to highlight the Government’s failure to tackle the acute problem of long-term youth unemployment amongst BAME young people. They will announce that the Labour Party will be producing a ‘BAME manifesto’ ahead of the election, highlighting Labour’s approach to furthering race equality.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Rachel Reeves, said: "The 49 per cent rise in the number of black and minority ethnic young people out of work for over a year since 2010 shows the Tory plan is failing. It is a huge waste of the next generation’s skills, potential and talent and it comes at a huge cost to young black and minority ethnic people, their families, taxpayers and the economy."
"Labour has a better plan to get young people back to work. Labour’s Compulsory Jobs Guarantee will offer a paid starter job to every young person who’s been claiming Jobseekers Allowance for over a year, work they’d have to take or risk losing benefits. Labour’s plan will give more than 3,200 young black and minority ethnic people who have been abandoned by David Cameron the chance to earn, learn and fulfil their potential." Ms Reeves added.
Also commenting Shadow Equalities Minister Gloria De Piero said: "These figures reveal the shocking complacency of this Government when it comes to long-term unemployment for black and minority ethnic young people. We cannot afford another five years of wasted talent under the Tories and Lib Dems. A Labour Government will put race equality back on the agenda and tackle youth unemployment with a Compulsory Jobs Guarantee."
Shadow Justice Secretary and London Minister Sadiq Khan commented: "The Government’s failure to get to grips with BAME youth unemployment shows their complacency towards Britain’s ethnic minority communities. Ethnic minority Britons have been hit hard by the cost of living crisis and many communities are really struggling. Labour’s BAME manifesto will outline our plan to build an economy that works for ethnic minority families and to tackle race inequality."
