I will be holding an advice surgery specifically for younger people who have been hit by the Covid pandemic.

Figures released this week from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the unemployment rate is at the highest level in almost five years. The UK’s unemployment rate rose to 5.1 per cent in the three months to December, with the number of people on company payrolls down 726,000 on pre Covid levels. Almost three-fifths of these were under the age of 25 years.

The unemployment figures make for sombre reading. I am contacted every day by constituents who are facing huge financial difficulties through losing their jobs during the pandemic or facing massive uncertainty and job insecurity.

Our younger generation has been hit the hardest and it is vital that this Government provides targeted support for those industries and demographics worst hit.

I am holding an advice surgery for under 25s to hear directly from those affected so I can assist in any way I can.

The constituency surgery for under 25s will take place between 3-5pm on Friday, 19 March.

Booking is essential and appointments will be held over the telephone or via zoom. To book a place, please email andy.mcdonald.2^nd@parliament.uk or call (01642) 246574, providing full name, address and a contact number.