Michael Fallon

Sevenoaks MP Michael Fallon has attacked the jump in the number of 18-24 year olds out of work in his Sevenoaks constituency.  Out of 1,156 people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in January, 310 are under 25 years of age, an increase of 25 since December and an increase of 95 since last January 2009.

Michael said:  “This is an alarming trend.  Even as the economy recovers, young people are losing out.  The government needs to do more to help: we need to re-open the Job Centre in Sevenoaks and provide much more intensive one-to-one support.  It’s vital that these young people do not drop out of the labour market for too long. The Town Council’s job club initiative certainly helps but it’s up to government to provide better schemes and more support.  The Tonbridge Job Centre is too far away, and too many courses don’t lead anywhere.  Last month’s increase was shocking.  Ministers can’t claim the economy is recovering while so many young people can’t get work”.