Jobs crisis - 'We can't afford capitalism'!

Sarah Sachs-Eldridge

"Decent jobs and decent pay!" That was the modest demand of the young people on the Jarrow Youth March for Jobs. But that is exactly what the Con-Dems and their profit system are incapable of providing.

November's unemployment figures will see a further damning increase to the already terrible situation - more than one million young people unemployed, more than one million women unemployed.

A new report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development predicts "a slow, painful contraction in the jobs market". The Con-Dems' promise that the private sector would take up the slack of public sector job cuts lies in tatters.

But this is far from inevitable. The Jarrow marchers had huge support for their demand for massive investment in a programme of public works to create jobs. The Con-Dems insist there is no money. Rubbish!

Following Liam Fox's inglorious resignation there was 'relief' in big business circles when Tory multi-millionaire Philip Hammond confirmed that as the new defence secretary he would safeguard the Trident nuclear weapon replacement programme.

The submarines will cost £25 billion to design and construct. It's estimated that it would cost £18 billion to create a million climate jobs.

Big business is hoarding £60 billion rather than investing it in developing production. The PCS civil service union estimates that £120 billion a year is stolen from the public in unpaid taxes by the rich.

Enormous resources could be made available by nationalising the banking system, utilities and major corporations under working class control and management, as demanded by the Socialist Party. Of course we could pay compensation - on the basis of proven need. Then, instead of slashing them, all our public services could be expanded - what better use is there for the wealth in society?

Of course, the Con-Dems prefer to point the finger and blame working class people for being lazy and refusing to take jobs. But the facts belie their claims.

Over 4,000 applied for 187 Tesco jobs in Hampshire; 4,500 sought 557 Primark posts in Edinburgh and 80,000 went for 8,000 Christmas postal jobs.

The public sector pension strike on 30 November will be a day of protest against all the cuts.

The Socialist Party and Youth Fight for Jobs are calling on students and unemployed young people to strike and march alongside workers. It must also be a day to talk about how we fight for an alternative to the present system.

As a Jarrow marcher said: "if capitalism can't afford to give us a decent job, we can't afford capitalism - fight for socialism".

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Unemployed:

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Jarrow:

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Jarrow marchers in solidarity action at Northampton university