YOUTH unemployment in the Valleys remains “shockingly”

high, with the number of people aged between18-24 claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA) more than twice the national average in places.

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) for Torfaen showed that in the month of May, 13.1 per cent of all people aged between 18-24 in the area were claiming JSA.

In Blaenau Gwent, the picture was more depressing still, with nearly one in five young people registered as claiming JSA.

The figure of 18.5 per cent was more than twice the UK average of 7.5 per cent and the Welsh average of 8.7 per cent.

Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith described the current situation as “a shocking waste of skills,” and urged the government to improve transport in the area to help boost young people’s job prospects.

Mr Smith said: “I want to see investment in local rail and transport services, so we can attract more businesses to Blaenau Gwent and enable people to travel to jobs in Cardiff and nearby, as well as giving the construction industry a shot in the arm.

“A plan for growth is vital if we are going to get young people into work, cut the benefits bill and reduce government borrowing.”

Mr Smith attacked the government for allowing unemployment to increase again in the area.

He, said:”Unemployment has risen again in Blaenau Gwent and youth unemployment is 18.6 per cent.

“An extra 528 people are out of work now compared to this time last year – a shocking waste of skills and loss of income for those affected and their families. We cannot condemn our young people to years without work.”

Mr Smith said Labour would propose that all young people aged 18-24 who have been out of work for more than 12 months would be put in a six-month paid job, ideally in the private sector.

He said the government should meet the wage costs while the employer should fund the training, suggesting the cost to government could be met by a tax on bankers’ bonuses.

William Graham, Conservative AM for South East Wales, said: “There is cross-party support for an Enterprise zone to be established around Ebbw Vale, but we are still awaiting full and final details for this initiative.

“During 13 wasted years of Labour government, their legacy was an over-mortgaged economy that paid no real regard to youth employment with the exception of an ill-conceived scheme, well named but not resulting in retention or creation of any meaningful employment opportunities.”