Stephen Timms MP, Labour’s Shadow Employment Minister, said:

“Today’s fall in overall unemployment is welcome but five years of the Tories’ failing plan has left working people £1,600 a year worse off since 2010. Low pay has left millions of working families struggling to make ends meet and has led to billions more spent on the housing benefit bill.  

“Today’s rise in youth unemployment is extremely worrying and shows the Tory plan is failing the next generation. David Cameron should introduce Labour’s Compulsory Jobs Guarantee to give young jobseekers the chance to learn, earn and contribute through six month paid starter jobs.

“Labour’s better plan for working families will raise the minimum wage, create more good jobs, build more homes, extend childcare and  guarantee apprenticeships for every school leaver in England who gets the grades.”