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Protest 9 October

Youth Fight Austerity budget day protest 2015, photo Senan (Click to enlarge)

Michael Morgan, Coventry Socialist Party

With attacks on Universal Credit, the rising cost of energy, and the regressive changes to national insurance - a secure job with decent pay has never been more important for young people. As we come out of a pandemic which has seen the proliferation of 'fire and rehire', and as 'key workers' become more and more exploited, many young people feel they don't have a proper future to look forward to.

The so-called 'recovery' from Covid has seen youth unemployment rise, it now stands at 13.1% - higher than it was at this point in 2020. This figure won't include those who are in work and struggling to get the hours they need on zero-hour contracts. With the cost of living increasing, many jobs are not paying enough to get by on. That's why the Socialist Party calls for a £15-an-hour minimum wage, for trade unions to fight against 'fire and rehire' practices, and for benefits that people can survive on.

For young people in particular, the cost of living crisis means many will make it even harder to be able to move out from the family home. It has been reported that the Tories could lower the cap on making repayments for student loans from £27,295 to around £23,000 a year. This is a kick in the teeth for already exploited students, many of whom have to work to fund their studies. The cherry on top of all of this, is that as of 30 September, the government's furlough scheme will end, meaning that many young people will lose their jobs.

It's a desperate time for young people, and it's clear that Keir Starmer's Labour Party is unable to give us the political representation we need to fight the Tories. This is why young members in the Socialist Party will be joining the Youth Fight for Jobs protest on the 9 October. We cannot sit idly by as our futures are wrestled away from us. We will be marching in numerous towns and cities across the country. If you believe in high-quality, secure and well-paying jobs - join us and protest.

Find details of your local protest, visit: youthfightforjobs.com

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Finance appeal

The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.

The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.

The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
We must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.