Mary Welcomes New Jobs Boost for Wakefield

Mary Creagh MP today welcomed the news that Wakefield Council's bid to the Government's Future Jobs Fund has been successful.  The project will see the Government pay employers to create jobs targeted at 18-24 year olds who make up a large proportion of Wakefield's unemployed.   

Up to 700 jobs will be created in Wakefield in construction, environmental services, sports, leisure and culture, as well as in adult social care, childcare support and social enterprises.  

Wakefield's young unemployed people make up 34% of the unemployed population.  Over 3100 young people are currently unemployed.  Other jobs created through the scheme will be offered to unemployed people in 'hot spot' areas, where the claimant count is at least 1.5% above the national average.   

Mary Creagh said: "This is good news for young unemployed people in Wakefield. I will be working with the Council to ensure that these new jobs are available as soon as possible.  Times are hard for young people looking for their first job. The Labour government is determined to support the economy and create jobs for these young people. We won't lose a generation of young people to unemployment in Wakefield, like we saw in the recessions of the 1980s and '90s."  

The Wakefield MP continued: "It's not just councils who can apply to the fund for help in employing a young person.  I would call on all businesses, charities, community groups to support young people during these tough times and submit a bid to the Fund."

To submit a bid to the Future Jobs Fund and receive Government funding to employ a young person, employers can visit http://campaigns.dwp.gov.uk/campaigns/futurejobsfund/