Stephen Timms MP, Labour's Minister for Work, commenting on Chris Grayling's plans for youth unemployment said: "It is common sense that our efforts should focus on those who don't find jobs, not those who will find work anyway. Let's look at the facts - most young people find a job within 6 months. Spending money on a new costly scheme after 3 months, like the Tories suggest, would be a waste of public cash as our current regime gets 85% off benefits within 6 months.
"As usual Chris Grayling is struggling to keep up with Labour policy. We announced in March that we would be bringing forward a full time work programme for young people and the long term unemployed and further details will be outlined in the welfare reform green paper that was announced in the legislative programme.
"The Tories have said they would need to find at least £3 billion of savings from welfare to pay for spending commitments. Far from helping to fill this hole today's announcement would waste taxpayers money."