Unemployment is too high and the Conservatives have no plan to create jobs or to help people get back into work. 2.6 million people are now unemployed, this is the highest for 17 years and is even higher than the peak of the recession. Most worryingly, over one million of the unemployed are between the ages of 18 and 24.

I am calling on the Government to take action. Not only is it the right thing to do for those individuals who are unemployed, it is the best way to get our economy back on track.

It is right to try and bring the deficit down, but the Conservative plan is doing more harm than good. The aggressive programme of tax rises and spending cuts has brought economic growth to a standstill and ignores the growing problem of unemployment. High unemployment means the Government receives less in tax and has to pay out more in benefits, which actually makes the deficit larger. Action needs to be taken now to create new jobs, help economic growth and improve the lives of people here in Bolton and around the country.

Labour's Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls has developed a 5 point plan for jobs. These are 5 simple actions that the Government could take here and now to encourage growth and create new jobs.

1) Action on jobs
Repeat the bank bonus tax again this year. Use the money to build 25,000 affordable homes, guarantee a job for 100,000 young people and invest in regional growth.

2) Investment brought forward
Bring forward long-term investment projects - schools, roads and transport - to get people back to work today and strengthen our economy for the future.

3) Support for families
Reverse January's damaging VAT rise now for a temporary period - a £450 boost for a family with two children - immediate help for our high streets and for struggling families and pensioners too.

4) Support for homeowners
An immediate one year cut in VAT to 5% on home improvements, repairs and maintenance - to help homeowners and the many small businesses that are dependent on the state of the housing market.

5) Support for small businesses
A one year national insurance tax break for every small firm which takes on extra workers. Use the money left over from the Government's failed national insurance rebate for new businesses. Encourage small businesses to grow and create jobs.


For more information on the Plan For Jobs visit www.labour.org.uk/plan