Unemployment in Peterborough remains higher than the national average, even though businesses are crying out for staff, a Labour shadow minister said today on a visit to the city.
Alison McGovern, Labour shadow minister for employment, made the comments during after a visit to EML Electrical Contractors Ltd in Dodson Way, Fengate, Peterborough to meet apprentices and speak about the future of apprenticeships and training for young people.
“It was such a pleasure to meet EML’s apprentices today,” she said.
“We know that great apprenticeships give young people a good start in work, so their time and talents don’t go to waste.
“Under the Tories, unemployment in Peterborough is higher than the national average, even though businesses are crying out for staff.
“We need a change. Labour will devolve employment support, so towns and cities have their own local jobs plans, and we’ll overhaul failing job centres, supporting people into good jobs across every part of the country.”
The shadow minister was accompanied on her visit by Andrew Pakes, Labour Parliamentary candidate for Peterborough.
“It’s fantastic to see the dedication and talent of these apprentices here at EML,” he said.
“Investing in apprenticeships is not only vital for the growth of our economy but it also plays a crucial role in shaping a skilled workforce for the future.
“Sadly, we’ve seen a big drop in the number of people starting apprenticeships here in Peterborough and across the country under the Conservatives – particularly in fields like engineering.”
He added: “That is why I want to double the number of people starting an apprenticeship in Peterborough.
“Labour’s mission in government and my mission as the MP for Peterborough will be to provide young people with the training, they need to land the skilled jobs of the future.”
During today’s visit Ms McGovern and Mr Pakes took the opportunity to see a demonstration of the kind of work undertaken by apprentices at EML.
They also spoke to company director Mark Brear about the experiences and challenges of running an SME and his commitment to training and development through apprenticeship programmes.
Mr Pakes said EML is a growing business and specialises in EV charging installation points and electrical technology.
He said analysis by the Labour Party shows that in England since 2015 apprenticeship starts have fallen by more than a third.
At the same time, he said, “achievements have fallen by half, with 160,000 fewer opportunities being made available to young people in that time, while the number of apprenticeships completed in that time has fallen by half”.
Mr Pakes added: “In Peterborough, latest figures show a 37.5% drop in people starting an apprenticeship compared to a decade ago (1,840 in 2012/13 compared to 1,150 in 2022/23).”
FOOTNOTE
Alison McGovern will be Labour’s candidate for Birkenhead at the next General Election. She is the current Labour MP for the Wirral South constituency. Her seat will be abolished because of a boundary review.
