LABOUR LAUNCH £1 MEMBERSHIP FOR VETERANS AND SERVING ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL

In recognition of the unique role that the forces play in our country, Labour became the first Party ever last week to offer a reduced membership rate of just £1 to the Armed Forces.
 
The new rate demonstrates the value Labour places on the defence community and was launched alongside Labour Friends of the Forces, a new organisation dedicated to campaigning on the issues that matter to the Armed Forces, their families and the wider service community.
 
If you are keen to participate within politics and work with Labour to use your experience to help build the best possible policy programme for our Armed Forces, please get in touch. You’ll be helping Labour campaign to uphold and strengthen the Military Covenant – our bond between the nation and the Services.

Advice Surgery

Bob will be holding an advice surgery for his constituents on Friday 16^th December 2011 at the Bell Green Community Centre, Coventry between 6pm and 7pm.

The surgery is strictly by appointment only to avoid any unnecessary queuing.   Please call Bob’s Constituency Office on 02476 226 707 or his London Office on 0207 219 4047 to book an appointment.

Bob writes an article on Europe for the Coventry Observer

You can view the article on page 10 of the Coventry Observer

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT HITS 1 MILLION

Figures released today show that youth unemployment has hit a record high, with a dramatic increase in the number of young people on the dole long term.

The total number of young people out of work has hit 1.02 million; the highest level since comparable records began. This comes on the same day that overall unemployment increased to 2.62 million and female unemployment hit its highest level for 23 years.

Commenting on today’s figures, Bob said:

“Today’s unemployment statistics are a damning indictment of the Tory-led Government’s economic policy.  These figures are a wake-up call for the Government and show they need change course on the economy now. 

“The real worry is that we are seeing the scar of long term youth unemployment return to our area.  Since January there has been nearly a 300% increase in the number of young people on the dole for six months or more in Coventry. 

“It’s clear we need urgent action to tackle this problem now.  Labour’s 5 point plan for jobs and growth would get Coventry moving again. Labour’s youth jobs fund, paid for by a £2 billion tax on Banker’s bonuses, would fund 100,000 jobs nationwide and could get 8,500 young people back into work in the West Midlands alone

“We need to get people back to work and off benefits, or the scar of unemployment will do long term damage.”

 You can view labour’s plan for jobs and growth here

 

Bob Ainsworth calls for urgent action to tackle youth unemployment

Bob Ainsworth has called for greater action to tackle the dramatic rise in youth unemployment in Coventry.  Bob’s call for action comes on the same day that Labour is due to lead a debate in the House of Commons on youth unemployment.

Today’s debate follows the release of figures by Labour which shows there has been a massive 64% increase in young people on the dole for a period of six months or more since January.

Bob said:

“We need urgent action to tackle long term youth unemployment, which is reaching crisis levels in areas up and down our country. Since January there has been more than a 300% increase in young people on the dole for a period of six months or more in Coventry alone.

“Youth unemployment has already hit a record level of 991,000.  How much higher does it have to get before the Tory-led Government decide to act and change tack on the economy?       

“Labour has shown there is a better way.  As part of our 5 point plan to create jobs and economic growth, we would introduce a £2 billion tax on bank bonuses to fund 100,000 jobs for young people.

“In the West Midlands region this would create 8,500 jobs and help stop long term youth unemployment scarring our area.”