Jo Swinson: Putting young people at the heart of the Coalition’s growth strategy

Liberal Democrat Spring Conference backed Giving Young People a Future, the Party's policy paper on combating youth unemployment. The paper proposes extending the Youth Contract and help for young entrepreneurs and apprentices. It also calls for improved mentoring and career advice in schools.

Commenting, Jo Swinson MP, who proposed the policy motion said:

"Liberal Democrats are committed to putting young people at the heart of the Coalition Government's growth strategy.

"That's why last year Nick Clegg outlined a £1bn Youth Contract to get unemployed young people earning or learning before the long term damage is done.

"Liberal Democrats have asserted our commitment to giving every young person a fair start in life, calling for the Youth Contract to be extended and for greater support for young entrepreneurs and apprentices.

"We also want to see more emphasis on career guidance and mentoring for students so school leavers can make well informed choices.

"Youth unemployment is a slow burn social disaster so it's right that despite money being tight the Coalition Government is prioritising getting young people back into work, education or training.

"We simply can't afford to lose the skills and talent of a generation."