Speaking to the Usdaw ADM in Blackpool, Paddy Lillis – Usdaw Deputy General Secretay said: “Young members are the future of the Union and the wider trade union movement. Young people are getting a raw deal under Tory led governments, as many of their policies have hit young people the hardest.
 
“The previous Tory Government abolished Education Maintenance Allowance, known as EMAs, for 600,000 16-17 years olds, giving young people no encouragement to continue into higher education.
 
“The trebling of university tuition fees to £9,000 per year is forcing more students into debt and giving less incentive for young people from lower income families to further their education and skills.
 
“Most importantly, we cannot forget that this Government have chosen not to offer people under 25 the opportunity to earn the National Living Wage.

“These are just a few reasons as to why it is important to involve more young people into politics and show them the importance of joining a trade union and promoting Usdaw at universities is a place where we could increase the level of engagement with young people.”

Notes for editors:

Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest trade union with nearly 430,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 17% in the last five years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the Union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.

For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter @UsdawUnion