Government must support young people as latest statistics reveal they have been hammered by job losses over last year

According to the latest unemployment statistics, 80% of those losing their jobs in the year to March are under 35. Cllr Robin Ashby, who speaks for Newcastle Liberal Democrats on employment issues, said he was appalled and called for action.

"People all across the UK - especially young people - are worried about their future. Millions still rely on job support and thousands are still out of work. We can't leave any of them behind as we get out of lockdown", he said.

"This Government has overseen the worst economic downturn in 300 years, yet they have completely failed to come up with a strategy to create new jobs and invest in peoples' skills, to avert a jobs crisis.

"Ministers need to take seriously the risk to people's jobs and keep furlough support in place at least until the end of the year. And we must finally help small businesses create new jobs, by slashing their National Insurance Contributions."