Graham is standing up for young workers and protecting the first jobs that give young people a start in working life.
In Parliament this week, Graham challenged policies that are making it more expensive for employers to hire and harder for young people to get their first chance at work.
He made clear that when the cost of employing staff rises, employers take fewer risks. Young people with little or no experience are the first to lose out. That means fewer Saturday jobs, fewer first payslips, and fewer chances to build confidence and skills.
This work reflects Graham’s long-standing focus on backing local employers and supporting young people across Beverley and Holderness.
Graham has backed plans that would see 343 local shops, cafés, pubs and leisure businesses pay zero business rates, helping them invest, grow and take on staff. These are often the businesses where young people get their first job.
He has also worked closely with schools and employers to help young people prepare for work. At Withernsea High School, Graham has supported careers activity that links pupils directly with local businesses and real job opportunities.
In Parliament, Graham highlighted new evidence from the Beverley and District Chamber of Trade showing that 88 per cent of local businesses are now less likely to employ young people because of rising employment costs.
Graham said: “Youth unemployment is not an abstract problem. When a young person misses out on that first job, they miss out on experience, confidence and opportunity. That damage can last a lifetime.
“Young people do not start at the top. They start with a first job in a shop, café or pub. When those jobs disappear, the ladder of opportunity is pulled away. I am on the side of young people who want to work, and I will keep standing up for them.
“We need to put businesses first, so we can make sure everybody who wants one can get a job.”
