Wallasey MP calls for Wirral businesses to help young people during the recession

Aug 12 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

Wallasey MP calls for Wirral businesses to help young people during the recession

WIRRAL businesses have been warned they must step in to prevent a generation of young people being lost to unemployment.

Wallasey MP Angela Eagle says firms, charities and community groups must provide opportunities to help jobless young people through the recession.

She says businesses must act to prevent a repeat of the increase in long-term youth unemployment which followed the last recession.

She told the News: “I’ve met with local business leaders to talk about the need to help people back into work quickly and where possible they are willing to talk.

“If organisations across Wirral are in a position to help young people then they should.

“Abandoning a generation would cost us all more in the long run, and devastate entire communities.”

Last week the government announced its Backing Young Britain campaign, which aims to create job opportunities for young people through the Future Jobs Fund.

Birkenhead-based Forum Housing Association, is expected to create 15 new jobs, starting in October, as part of the Liverpool City Region’s bid.

Wirral Partnership Homes takes on apprentices every year to train as plumbers and electricians and says the recession will not change its commitment to helping young people.

Chris Boynton, apprentice and technical training manager, said: “In the 1980s there was no skills base because people stopped recruiting.

“We’ve taken on at least half a dozen apprentices every year and they bring creativity, enthusiasm and so much talent.”