A SHADOW minister backed a party pledge to tackle youth unemployment in Brighton and Hove.

Tristram Hunt, shadow secretary of state for education, visited charity the Hangleton and Knoll Project yesterday morning as Labour unveiled plans to get young people into jobs.

Councillor Warren Morgan, leader of the Labour and Co-operative Group, said getting young people into full-time training or paid apprenticeships was on the party’s “main goals” if it wins in May. The party has also pledged to end youth unemployment by the 2019 council election if it is elected.

Peter Kyle, Labour parliamentary candidate for Hove, said: “It’s shocking that our city has hundreds of young people who are claiming Job Seeker Allowance and dozens who have been unemployed for more than a year.

“A long period of unemployment for a young person can have a terrible impact on their ability to succeed later in life.

“Our society and economy also suffers due to the social impact on our communities and wasted potential. Something has to be done. By taking these steps we will ensure that every young person has the start in life that they deserve.”