YOUNG PEOPLE in Malvern and Pershore are at risk of ‘being dumped on the benefits scrap heap’ says West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that the number of unemployment benefits claimants in West Worcestershire had increased by 60 in the last year to 1,410, with the rise steepest amongst 18 to 24-year-olds.
Unemployment recently hit five per cent and in 2025 to 2026 the UK is forecast to spend £333.7 billion on welfare.
The MP has issued a stark warning that local businesses are operating under increased costs and red tape.
Dame Harriett said: “It has been evident for some time that the government’s policies are harming local employers and worsening job prospects, particularly for young people. The ONS data shows that youth unemployment is now on the up and this is bad for our local economy.
“I regularly meet with local employers and lots of them tell me they are putting growth plans on hold, laying off staff or considering shutting altogether after the onslaught of wage and tax rises threaten to make their businesses unviable.
“What particularly worries me is the number of young people who now won’t get those fantastic early job opportunities in the local pub, café or shop.
“Every young person on benefits is a tragedy, and I want to see the Government act to encourage growth and allow businesses to take on young workers.”
