Hyndburn Council to lobby on youth jobs (From Blackburn Citizen)

Hyndburn Council to lobby on youth jobs

6:00pm Friday 18th January 2013 in News By Emma Cruces, Reporter

A COUNCIL is set to lobby the government over youth unemployment and bring in support measures for young people.

Hyndburn Council could implement five key changes to prevent a ‘lost generation’ in the borough.

Council leader Miles Parksinon has drafted proposals which will see the council support apprenticeship schemes and work experience placements.

The council would also lobby central government to provide guaranteed employment or training for those unemployed for more than six months and a welfare reform.

The borough said young people should be able to return to full-time education without loss of benefits.

Coun Parkinson said: “We cannot just sit idly by when there are practical support measures which could be put in place.

“There are some things we can put in place as a council and there are other matters in which we are lobbying the government. As a council we can encourage apprenticeships and placements in our own departments.

“We would also support training providers such as North Lancs Training Group and Accrington and Rossendale College.

“What we don’t want to see is a lost generation, which is what happened in the 1980s when the manufacting industry fell.

“It’s vital we act now to prevent future problems.”

Five measures, which will go before full council later this month, include public bodies being encouraged to commit to recruiting apprentices and work experience placements. The government is also to be lobbied to assist with transport costs for young people travellling to work.