A SENEDD candidate for Dwyfor Meirionnydd has called for action on a rise in youth unemployment.

Figures show the unemployment rate amongst young people is now higher than the national average in Wales.

Prior to lockdown in March last year, the youth unemployment rate in Dwyfor Meirionnydd stood at 3.9 per cent. It now stands at 8.6 per cent whilst the Wales average is 8.5 per cent.

From February 2020 to January 2021, the claimant count for those aged 18-24 in Dwyfor Meirionnydd constituency increased by 122 per cent. In Wales, the claimant count increased by 82 per cent over the same period.

Mabon ap Gwynfor, who represents Llandrillo ward of Denbighshire County Council, said the figures are a "frightening" consequence of the economic fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic and that a Jobs Guarantee scheme should be in place to develop local employment opportunities for 16–24-year-olds.

"The number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in Dwyfor Meirionnydd has increased significantly over the last year, largely a result of the unprecedented public health crisis that we have been experiencing," he said.

"Of particular concern is the number of young people now claiming unemployment related benefits.

"The number has doubled over the course of the year. This warrants immediate attention from the government who should step in and ensure options are available to those struggling to find employment."

Mr ap Gwynfor said he supports Gwynedd Council’s call to trial a Universal Basic Income, which would be a "win-win for our local economy, ensuring that everyone has a basic income, and putting money in the tills of our local shops."

He added: "The Government needs to provide a jobs guarantee programme for 16–24-year-olds, and work with local employers, Colleges and Sixth Forms to ensure that those opportunities are developed, providing a pathway through vocational training and apprenticeships.

"Furthermore, there are shovel-ready projects here in Gwynedd which the Government could kick-start immediately, such as social housing plans, retrofitting houses and others. We’ve heard a lot of talk from various governments about youth employment, but now we need to see real action."