Learn the lessons from the last recession
Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden today says that young people are key to combating the economic downturn in seaside towns like Blackpool – we should learn the lessons from the last recession - now is not the time to cut public services or investment in learning and training opportunities for young people.
Mr Marsden said: “Young people in our town are the future small business owners, entrepreneurs, teachers, police officers, and nurses. The lesson we have to learn from the recession in the 1980’s is not to write young people off as a forgotten generation.”
“In towns like Blackpool, fewer jobs and greater competition during a recession means those starting their careers are under immense financial pressures. It’s important that we learn the mistakes from previous recessions and invest more in providing new skills and training opportunities for young people to help them succeed in a difficult job-market.”
“Blackpool currently has over 500 people in apprenticeship placements and the completion rates for apprenticeships have increased to 63 per cent in the town over the past three years of Government funding. I visited some apprentices in a South Shore hotel recently and saw the impact new funding and support was having on their careers.”
“I am worried that any proposals to cut funding for apprenticeships would have a damaging effect on our local economy in Blackpool. The Government has pledged to deliver 250,000 apprenticeships this year alone, and has put in an extra £140m to meet that target. Proposals to cut this investment would put the prospects and careers of our young people at risk – cutting is not the easy way out of a recession.”
06/07/09
