Islwyn MP Chris Evans has called on the UK Government to fund youth jobs with a new tax on banks and mobile phone companies.
Mr Evans made the comments after new figures showed those aged between 18 and 24 claiming Job Seekers Allowance for over 12 months in his Islwyn constituency had increased by 429% in the last 12 months.
Mr Evans wants youth jobs funded by a tax on banks and on the sale of 4G licences for mobile phone operators.
He said: “It is all very well the Government introducing work programmes and job schemes but it is quite clear that these policies are having no impact on our young people.
“Instead, the Government needs to introduce an urgent plan for youth jobs funded by a tax on bankers bonuses and with the £4 billion expected to be raised from the forthcoming auction of the 4G mobile phone spectrum.
“After two-and-a-half years of the Coalition’s failed economic policies, an urgent plan is needed to prevent an entire generation out of work.”