YouthLink Scotland’s general election manifesto puts ‘equal pay for equal work’ high on its agenda

Scotland’s young people have demanded an end to the “discrimination” that sees them paid less than others and not able to participate in all elections.

Scotland’s national agency for youth work, YouthLink Scotland launched its general election manifesto warning the next UK government that young people won’t accept further austerity.

In a unique ‘The Voice’ style hustings event to launch the document senior politicians took to the stage at the Scottish Youth Theatre in Glasgow and were forced to sit on revolving chairs with their back to the audience of young people, and only allowed to spin round when they wanted to respond to a question.

The politicians representing the five main Scottish parties were told young people want the minimum wage overhauled to one equal amount for everyone – putting an end to those under 18 being paid £3.79 compared to those over 21 who receive £6.50.

The politicians were told low pay contributed to poverty and meant young people had no choice but to stay at the “hotel of mum and dad”.

I would say one thing to all of those who seek a place at Westminster. We must see investment rather than a move towards further austerity

A call is also being made for votes at 16 to become a reality right across the UK for every election and tax breaks to be offered to businesses that encourage and help their staff to volunteer.

Young people should also have access to free wifi in their communities, so the opportunities that come with the “new digital era” do not leave some of them behind.

The manifesto has been created by YouthLink Scotland over the last couple of months by seeking the views of young people through its membership organisations.

Chief executive Jim Sweeney said the message of the manifesto is aimed at Holyrood and Westminster.

He told candidates standing at next month’s general election that if they seek a society where all young people have equality then they need to provide long term funding for the youth work sector.

He said: “This election has been dominated by the economic argument around whether to continue down the path of further austerity.

“I would say one thing to all of those who seek a place at Westminster. We must see investment rather than a move towards further austerity.

“We cannot allow more children and young people to be pushed into poverty.

“We cannot support council services being cut further.

“And we cannot support any economic agenda that would, by default, push back our shared ambition for a truly equal society for all our young people.”

The YouthLink Scotland hustings event was compered by Scotland’s newest presenting duo, The Mac Twins, Alana and Lisa MacFarlane. The manifesto was specially designed by the award winning cartoonist, Frank Boyle.