Thirty years on it's the same song:
The one in ten young people unemployed - a statistical reminder of a Tory world that does not care.
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ironically this band (or rather its members), UB40, have been declared bankrupt
Is the unemployment intentional policy of the ruling elite?
Yes
Of course it is an intentional policy, to drive down wages and foster social discord so that they can then introduce more repressive policies.
“ONE IN TEN” by UB40 from the album “Present Arms” – Released – 1981-05-01
Chorus
I am the one in ten
A number on a list
I am the one in ten
Even though I don’t exist
Nobody knows me
Even though I’m always there
A statistic, a reminder
Of a world that doesn’t care
My arms enfold the dole queue
Malnutrition dulls my hair
My eyes are black and lifeless
With an underprivileged stare
I’m the beggar on the corner
Will no-one spare a dime?
I’m the child that never learns to read
‘Cause no-one spared the time
Chorus: I am the one in ten …. etc
I’m the murderer and the victim
The licence with the gun
I’m a sad and bruised old lady
In an ally in a slum
I’m a middle aged businessman
With chronic heart disease
I’m another teenaged suicide
In a street that has no trees
Chorus: I am the one in ten …. etc
I’m a starving third world mother
A refugee without a home
I’m a house wife hooked on valium
I’m a Pensioner alone
I’m a cancer ridden spectre
Covering the earth
I’m another hungry baby
I’m an accident of birth.
Chorus: I am the one in ten …. etc
“Official figures published today [26 January 2011] showed 20 per cent of ex-students were without work in the third quarter of 2010 — double the number when the recession started.” [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8283862/Graduate-unemployment-hits-15-year-high.html] I can’t find the current figure. It would have gone up because:
“Record numbers of students took up places on undergraduate courses in the UK last year, according to final figures released today by the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS). In 2008, the number of fulltime students accepted on to courses rose by 10.4% — 43,197 more than the previous year — to a total of 456,627.” [http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2009/jan/15/ucas-universities-students] They started in October 2008; most of them graduated in July 2011. And coming up fast behind them:
“Final [UCAS] figures show that 639,860 people applied to start university or college in the UK in 2009 and 481,854 gained places, meaning that 75 per cent were accepted.” [http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=410110] A lot of these students will graduate in July 2012.
“Headline figures from UCAS show another record year for applicants to higher education – the fourth year running that full-time undergraduate applications have seen an increase. As of 22 January 2010 there were 570,556 applicants, a rise of 106,389 or 22.9% over 2009. The UK saw an increase in applicants of 22.1%, while overseas applicants rose from 55,245 to 71,105 (up 28.7%).” [http://www.ucas.com/about_us/media_enquiries/media_releases/2010/080210] The final figure is usually announced in January. These students will graduate in July 2013. Of course, if the graduates from 2011 and 2012 haven’t found a job by 2013 they may find themselves swept aside. Or will there be jobs for all in 21 months’ time?
And that’s the job market facing young adults with degrees — the ones with prospects.
If you are at university you need to consider the possibility that no-one will want to employ you. Visit a careers advisor as soon as possible and draw up some contingency plans.