Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stuart Andrew and Priti Patel

Monday 2nd November 2015 Commons Chamber

[Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con)]

5. What support his Department is providing to young people seeking work.

[The Minister for Employment (Priti Patel)]

Tackling youth unemployment is a priority for this Government. We are determined that young people should not slip into a life on benefits. That is why our Department provides a broad range of support for young people, in addition to the standard Jobcentre Plus offer.

[Stuart Andrew]

Having experienced periods of unemployment in my youth, I am acutely aware of how tough it can be on individuals. Does my hon. Friend welcome the fact that youth unemployment in my Pudsey constituency has fallen by 49% in the last month? Is that not proof that the economic plan is delivering the jobs and apprenticeships needed to give job security for our young people?

[Priti Patel]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. That fall in unemployment is due to the fact that the economic plan is working and the economy is growing. However, we also recognise that young people need tailored support so that they can secure employment opportunities, and we have therefore introduced adviser time in jobcentres, work experience placements, the Work programme, Help to Work and the innovation fund.