Number of young jobless soars

YOUTH unemployment increased in Rotherham at a rate of 21 per cent last year, according to a study by trade unions.

Rotherham was among two thirds of local authorities across UK where young jobless figures rose by more than 20 per cent inside 12 months.

The number of 18- to 24-year-olds on the dole for over six months has increased in Rotherham and 141 local authorities across the UK since last year.

The national average stands at 21 per cent, representing a rise of 17,895, from 85,000 to 103,000.

What do you think? Use the "wirte a comment" button to post your views.

Rotherham TUC President Pat Keenan said: “While bankers were back toasting their bonuses last week, these figures confirm that the outlook for the millions of people still out of work is not so rosy.”

An analysis by the Trades Union Congress of Jobseekers Allowance data shows that the number of young people claiming the dole for over six months has increased by 21 per cent in the last year to reach 103,230 in June this year.

However, the number of 18-24 year olds claiming JSA represents less than a third of the total number of young people out of work for over six months, which reached 338,000 between March and May 2010.

The number of long-term young unemployed people in Rotherham went up from 685 to 785.

In Sheffield it rose by 81 per cent, Barnsley by 28 per cent and Doncaster by 24 per cent.

Other figures show unemployment has doubled in ten local authorities across the UK.

The TUC says that with the young people’s unemployment rate already over 17 per cent—more than twice the national unemployment rate—and research showing that each graduate vacancy now receives an average of 69 applications, young people are facing the toughest jobs climate in a generation.