THE number of black and ethnic minority youngsters out of work for longer than a year has increased by almost 50 per cent since the coalition came to power, according to new figures.

Labour said the official statistics showed that 41,000 black and ethnic minority people aged 18 to 24 have been unemployed for more than 12 months.

The total accounts for a fifth of all 18-to-24-year-olds out of a job for longer than a year, said Labour.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Rachel Reeves said: "The 49 per cent rise in the number of black and minority ethnic young people out of work for over a year since 2010 shows the Tory plan is failing.

"It is a huge waste of the next generation's skills, potential and talent and it comes at a huge cost to young black and minority ethnic people, their families, taxpayers and the economy.

"Labour's compulsory jobs guarantee will offer a paid starter job to every young person who's been claiming jobseeker's allowance for over a year, work they'd have to take or risk losing benefits.

"Labour's plan will give more than 3,200 young black and minority ethnic people who have been abandoned by David Cameron the chance to earn, learn and fulfil their potential."