EUROPEAN FUNDING SHOULD HELP YOUNG PEOPLE INTO WORK

A call for money from the European Union to be used to help unemployed youngsters find work or an apprenticeship has come from one of the candidates representing Plaid Cymru – The Party of Wales.

Addressing a meeting of party members and supporters in Penarth, Ioan Bellin said the Welsh Government should make a legally binding commitment for all young people who have been unemployed for four months to be offered a job, training or further education, funded through the European Social Fund.

Ioan Bellin (centre) with Penarth's UK Parliament and National Assembly candidates Ben Foday (left) and Dafydd Trystan Davies

“Long-term unemployment has rocketed since the current Labour Government took control in Cardiff Bay,” said Mr Bellin. “The number of young people claiming job seekers allowance for more than a year has more than quadrupled.

“Solving this crisis is vital, and it’s high time the Welsh Government followed the lead of Plaid’s Euro-MP Jill Evans, who has been campaigning for European support to reduce youth unemployment and help our young people become a skilled workforce.”

Mr Bellin also called for a change in European rules and a cut in red tape so that more Welsh contracts could go to Welsh businesses.

Such a move, he said, could create an estimated 46,000 new jobs in Wales.

He said that Plaid’s campaign for the European elections included support for a living wage both at home and in the rest of Europe, a new Welsh transport plan and guaranteed jobs, education or training for under 25s.

It was vital, he said, for Jill Evans, Plaid’s Member of the European Parliament, to be re-elected so that she can continue to be able to speak up for Wales.

Mr Bellin was welcomed to the meeting by the Chairman of Plaid Penarth, Adrian Roper. He was thanked by the party’s national Chairman, Dafydd Trystan Davies, who emphasised how important it was for Plaid to retain its seat at the European Parliament.

Mr Bellin also made reference to the unique place Penarth holds in the history of Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales, as the first meeting of the group which led to the foundation of the party was held in the town at Bedwas Place 90 years ago.