unable to find suitable employment.

Sen. Terry Lister sent out a Christmas plea for employers to do what they can to help.

"I would hope every employer who has entry level position to look closely at what they are doing for these young people.'' Speaking during the motion to adjourn in the Senate, he said many parents had "slaved and mortgaged'' their futures to give their children a good education.

And yet too often their children could only find jobs low down in the skills ladder.

"It is a disgrace, nothing short of a disgrace,'' said Sen. Lister.

Sen. Lister said he had been concerned about the hiring opportunities and job placements of young students for some time.

Government Senate Leader Sen. Lynda Milligan-Whyte , meanwhile, focused her remarks on parents.

She urged parents to remember their responsibilities in bringing up children.

"Children also have spiritual needs which have to be adequately dealt with.'' Sen. Milligan-Whyte said inadequate parenting and a lack of moral values were too often the causes of crime.