UK Highlights Need To Tackle Youth Unemployment
The possibility of economic recovery in 2010 may be a real one but uncertainty remains about the pattern of unemployment which may take up to ten years to return to pre-recession levels.
The Work Foundation is calling on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to take stronger action against youth unemployment in The Road to Recovery: Getting Britain back to Work, a detailed account of what the Pre-Budget Report should address.
With young people (18-24 year-olds) being the hardest hit by this recession, the fight against youth unemployment needs to be a top priority in Alistair Darling’s Pre-Budget Report claims the paper, published today (30 November).
David Coats, report author and Associate Director (Policy) at The Work Foundation sets the global context, provides an overview of the UK labour market then outlines the specific policy priorities: to minimise the inflow of new claimants onto the unemployment register and to prevent the scarring effects of youth unemployment.
He makes a compelling case for a one-off higher education expansion in 2010 so that all suitably qualified applicants are guaranteed a place. He also urges the government to adapt the job guarantee scheme to help young people increase their job prospects at the end of the programme.
Specific policy proposals to the job guarantee scheme include:
*
More intensive job search support for those most likely to find jobs
* A strong skills development element in the job guarantee programme itself and full integration with other employment programmes
* Continued job search support during the job guarantee perio
*
A link to a real job at the end of the job guarantee programme
In addition, the report urges the introduction of a short-time working scheme similar to the arrangements in Germany that have helped to keep unemployment low, along with an immediate increase in the Job Seekers Allowance of £10 per week.
David Coats said, “It is vital that the government reinforces its commitment to helping young people in these tough times. Youth unemployment is at a record high and there is no excuse for inaction.
“Revising the Job Guarantee will improve the effectiveness of the programme, focus resources on the young people most in need of support and encourage employers to become active partners in the initiative. In addition, the temporary expansion of higher education will reduce the inflow of new entrants into a labour market that is still weak.
“Both the development of the Job Guarantee and the expansion of higher education are essential practical measures that will keep the most vulnerable young people in touch with the world of work and ensure that the UK has the highly qualified workforce we need to respond to the opportunities of economic recovery.”
The Road to Recovery: Getting Britain back to work
This report urges the government to focus on minimizing the damage of youth unemployment and take measures to restrict the numbers of new claimants onto the employment register, proposing a short-time working scheme, a one-off expansion of higher education provision in 2010 and changes to the job guarantee scheme.
Topics: Britain, Economy, England, Governance, job guarantee scheme, jobs, politics, pre budget report, social policy, UK, unemployment, United Kingdom, youth
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
