Jonathan Shaw, Labour’s South East Minister has welcomed the news today that the South East will benefit from the 3,300 jobs created for young people across the region by Labour’s Future Jobs Fund initiative. 6 local authorities and organisations across the South East were successful in bidding for the scheme – Kent County Council, Gateway Knowledge Alliance, Thanet District Council, Brighton and Hove City Council, Hampshire County Council, Hastings Borough Council

In the 80s and 90s, long term youth unemployment went up and up.  During these current tough times Jonathan Shaw, is determined that we don't lose a generation of our young people to unemployment or lost opportunity because of the global recession.  

Jonathan is calling on business, charities, community groups and councils to support young people during these tough times and to continue to bid for funds through the Future Jobs Fund scheme as bids are welcome at any time.

Jonathan Shaw, Labour’s South East Minister said:

"I'm determined that we never again repeat the failed policies of the past - which is why I supported our Labour Government in investing £5 billion to help people get back into work quickly.  This is paying for more jobcentre plus staff here in the South East, more opportunities for people of every age and real help now, right when people need it.

"But I know young people in the South East leaving school or university will be concerned about the state of the jobs market and what they do next.  So I'm calling on business, charities, community groups and councils to support young people during these tough times. I want organisations across the South East to give a jobless young person a chance.

"The Future Jobs Fund is a billion pound fund aimed at creating jobs for unemployed young people.  I want organisations in the South East to get their bids in for the 100,000 jobs available.  

"The Tories say we can’t afford to help, but the truth is we can’t afford not to. Abandoning a generation would cost us all more in the long run, and devastate entire communities.

“I'm determined that we will not lose a generation of our young people to unemployment or lost opportunity because of the global recession.”