Recent figures have revealed that the unemployment levels for young people in Britain has reached a record high of 991,000 along with a continuing increase in the number of people claiming jobseeker’s allowance, which has now reached 1.6 million.

David Cameron stated that the latest unemployment figures are “very disappointing” and that the government needs to “do more to get our economy moving”. The Prime Minister maintained that the coalition’s deficit reduction plans should not be abandoned as doing so would increase interest rates and send the economy “into a tailspin”.

The leader of the opposition, Ed Miliband stated at Prime Minister’s Questions that it was time for David Cameron to concede that the Government’s plan “isn’t working”.  Mr. Cameron hit back by adding: “I accept we have got to do more to get our economy moving, to get jobs for our people, but we mustn’t abandon the plan that has given us record low interest rates.” 

Additional figures revealed that along with the biggest slump in employment levels for two years and the largest-ever cut in the number of part-time workers; down by 175,000, an additional 100,00 people have joined those looking for employment.

Paul Davis, managing director of Perspective, commented: “These unemployment figures are certainly worrying for the UK. Individuals out of work need to consider every option available to them and as it stands apprenticeship schemes may be their best option. The Government has been pushing apprenticeships for a couple of years, investing heavily, and they allow individuals to earn, learn and create a defined career path.”