Local London Assembly Member Joanne McCartney called for a tax on bank bonuses to fund work placements for unemployed 16-24 year olds to prevent another ‘lost generation’. The call follows a staggering 104 per cent rise in the last year in the number of young people out of work for over six months in Enfield and a similar rise of 74 per cent in Haringey.

Joanne said: “This Mayor and his Conservative Government’s policies are failing, not only is Britain back in recession but now we find out that youth and long-term unemployment are rising sharply.”

“These alarmingly high increases in youth and long-term unemployment are deeply worrying. Instead of taking a hands-off approach, the government and Mayor Boris Johnson need to use all their powers to get Londoners back to work. In recessions of the 80s and 90s we saw youth unemployment sky-rocket and the creation of a ‘lost generation’. We must do all we can to stop that happening again.”

“To tackle this crisis I am calling for a tax on bank bonuses to create a youth jobs fund to help 18-24 year olds get back to work and also build new homes in London.”

The figures published today reveal that in Enfield:

• There are now 1,060 young unemployed people looking for work – an increase of 104% since April 2011
• There are now 1,475 people who have been unemployed for 12 months or more and can’t find work.
• There are a total of 10,263 unemployed people looking for work
• There are only 1,414 job vacancies in the borough

and in Haringey:

• There are now 755 young unemployed people looking for work – an increase of 74% since April 2011
• There are now 2,365 people who have been unemployed for 12 months or more and can’t find work.
• There are a total of 10,254 unemployed people looking for work
• There are only 532 job vacancies in the borough

Local Labour Assembly Member Joanne McCartney slams the Minister for Disabled People for plans to close the North East London Remploy Factory.

The Remploy North East London factory in Tottenham is one of 36 Factories the Government is proposing for closure.  The Tottenham Factory employs 24 people, including 22 disabled employees, who would face compulsory redundancy.

Joanne said “I have written to the Minister for Disabled people about this appalling plan. I am shocked that the Government would deliberately add 22 vulnerable disabled people to the list of 10, 393 unemployed residents of Haringey.

Joanne continued:  “There are so few employment opportunities in Haringey – the latest figures reveal that there’s only 481 vacancies.  It is beyond belief that the Government would consider pushing ahead with this plan to strip the independence and livelihood from these disabled workers.  I am urging the Minister to rethink her plans.”

I am delighted to have been re-elected as the local Assembly Member and to have received the trust and support of so many local residents. It is an honour to continue serving Enfield & Haringey on the London Assembly.

Despite our disappointment in not winning the mayoralty, Labour Members on the Assembly have an important job ahead scrutinising the Mayor and his policies, as well as developing an alternative vision for our City.  I spoke to many residents on the doorstep and heard repeated concerns about the cost of living crisis, and this is why we need policies that will really help people during these difficult times – we need fares cut, energy bills reduced, rents brought down, and affordable childcare provision.

We need an effective police force to tackle rising robberies in Enfieldand Haringey, but a police force that works with our communities.  We need safety improvements on our roads for pedestrians and cyclists.  We need cleaner air to combat premature deaths due to pollution.  I will work tirelessly on these issues over the next four years.

Thank you for your support.  Please do contact me at joanne.mccartney@london.gov.uk or 020 7983 4402.

Yours sincerely

Joanne McCartney

Don’t forget to vote this Thursday in the 2012 London Assembly & Mayoral Elections. You have the chance to cast three votes, one is for the Mayor of London and two are for the London Assembly.

If you need any further information about the elections, such as the location of your polling station, please visit the independent London Elects website: www.londonelects.org.uk