Jobless figures rise

Figures from the Scottish Trade Union Congress also show neighbouring Glasgow's long-term youth unemployment is up by 134%, from 665 to 1,555 in the same period.

In East Ren, in January 2008, only ten people between the ages of 16 to 24 had been claiming job seekers' allowance for more than six months.

However, by September 2010, there were 55 long-term JSA claimants in that age group.

Grahame Smith, STUC general secretary said:"The statistics for East Renfrewshire are very worrying. Added to the news that there 23 claimants chasing every vacancy in East Ren, this makes very grim reading indeed.

"High unemployment in Scotland is the inevitable outcome of two years of deep recession and a weak, jobless recovery. Instead of blaming the victims for a situation that is manifestly not of their making, the coalition government should concentrate on creating, not destroying, jobs.

"As Scotland knows only too well, the social and economic costs of unemployment, particularly long-term youth unemployment, are massive and enduring.

"It is essential that government at all levels acts now to prevent a repeat of the mistakes of past recessions. The key policy priorities must be to maximise job creation and to provide effective assistance to the unemployed".

An ERC spokesman says the council is doing a number of things to tackle youth unemployment and to prepare youngsters for the working world.

He told The Extra: "We have several schemes aimed at providing apprenticeship and training opportunities.

"This includes our modern apprenticeship scheme which, over recent years has seen a high percentage of apprentices gaining full-time employment within the council and with local employers.

"Our centre in Rouken Glen park offers training in horticulture, construction and rural skills. It also links with local schools to offer hands-on experience.

"We've also developed, in partnership with Reid Kerr college, a new construction skills academy to provide practical training, experience and qualifications for young people".

From other data provided by the STUC it is seen that the number of long-term JSA claimants is increasing in all age groups.

In East Renfrewshire, those claiming for more than 12 months has increased by 125 (250%) in two years.

In Glasgow city there was a 121% increase (numerically up from 2,505 to 5,545).