Lazarowicz backs jobs action plea

CITY Labour MP Mark Lazarowicz has backed a call by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown for action by the UK Government to tackle a rise in youth unemployment.

The latest unemployment statistics for December 2010 showed a three per cent rise in unemployment in Mr Lazarowicz's Edinburgh North and Leith constituency, with more than half of the increase coming in the 18-24 age group.

The figures reflected the trend for Scotland and the rest of the UK, even though unemployment fell in Scotland overall.

Mr Brown gave a lecture last week where he argued for radical government action to address the rise in youth unemployment and defuse 'a generational time-bomb".

Mr Lazarowicz said: "There are many, young people especially, who desperately want to work, but can't find a job in the current economic climate."