Toby Perkins, Labour Member of Parliament for Chesterfield, has congratulated A-Level students for achieving the best ever results nationally. However, Mr. Perkins has warned that the Coalition Government is undertaking one of the biggest and most dangerous gambles with the lives of young adults in living memory. The Tory and Lib Dem coalition has reduced the number of extra university places, cut the Future Jobs Fund, and has refused to renew the Young Person’s Guarantee.

The situation facing school leavers, those looking for places at university and graduates was always going to be tough but the policies of the government will exacerbate youth unemployment and future prosperity. The decision to make these cuts this year could result in a ‘lost generation’, and will hit the poorest in society. 

Mr. Perkins said:-

“This government has taken an axe to the life prospects of this year’s school leavers that will damage their prospects for years to come. By cutting university places and the Young Person’s Jobs Guarantee this government will start too many young people on to the wrong track from the outset. In congratulating our school leavers on the record results, I also recognize the difficulties they will face. Any young people who want to join our campaign against the cuts to their futures should contact my office”.