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Prince's Trust issues youth unemployment warning
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The UK could miss out on thousands of future nurses, plumbers and teachers because of the level of youth unemployment, a new report claimed today.
The Prince's Trust said thousands of potential mechanics, social workers and entrepreneurs could also be lost if young people could not fulfil their career ambitions.
A survey by the charity of more than 1,000 people aged 16 to 24 found that many were finding it hard to get a job, often because of money problems.
Two out of five of those questioned said they couldn't afford to buy smart clothes for a job interview and over half thought they would never be able to buy their own home.
Martina Milburn, chief executive of the Prince's Trust said: "Britain cannot afford to stifle its young talent. We must invest in young people now, giving them all the chance to achieve their ambitions and become the key workers of the future.
"Every one of Britain's unemployed young people has skills and talents that could make a real difference to this country. Only by investing in young people can we ensure this undiscovered generation isn't lost forever."
Youngsters out of work for over a year were significantly less optimistic than those who have been unemployed for less than six months, according to the report.
The long-term unemployed were nearly twice as likely to fear that they "will never amount to anything", and three times as likely to believe they don't have any skills or talents, while two out of five were not hopeful about finding a job in the next six months.
Employment minister Jim Knight said: "The Government is determined that unlike other recessions, this time young people will not lose out.
"This is why we have recently announced as part of the Skills investment strategy continued support and expansion of programmes for the 19-25 year olds, invested £1 million in The Prince's Trust Team programme and introduced schemes such as Flying start - Make it Happen.
"This scheme sits alongside thousands of other opportunities
available to young people including internships, further study,
apprenticeships and volunteering."
gwane
Commented 104 weeks ago
As a fresh graduate, I can say that it is really difficult to find a job that really suits your degree. But despite of it, I am so very thankful having this opportunity to work. But also I am thinking of another way of earning. As of now I am thinking of freelancing There isn't anything wrong with it, and it isn't a bad way to make a little on the side, but being able to provide more than a supplementary income is difficult. There are also other risks, such as taxes not being automatically withheld, and making sure all agreements are in place and above board. You might have to hire a lawyer to get all the paperwork in order, and that can take a couple of payday loans if you don't have the cash or credit to hire an attorney outright.