The latest Youth Employment 2024 Outlook report, alongside recent ONS data, highlights the critical state of youth employment in the UK. NEET rates have risen sharply, now affecting over 872,000 young people according to the report. This ongoing crisis underscores the urgent need for a coordinated, comprehensive response to support young people transitioning into the workforce.
The Alarming State of Youth Employment
The increase in NEET rates is not just a statistic, it represents a growing number of young people struggling to find their place in an increasingly complex job market. Marginalised groups are particularly hard-hit, with young men, ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities or care backgrounds facing disproportionate challenges. In regions like the East of England, where the NEET rates rise at a staggering pace, the situation is even more critical.
The Mental Health Crisis
The mental health of young people is another major concern. The number of 18-24 year-olds experiencing mental health issues has risen by 42% since the mid-2010s, with over a third now affected. This mental health crisis is not just a personal struggle—it’s a barrier to employment, with the number of young people out of work due to mental health issues doubling over the past decade. Addressing this crisis is essential to improving youth employment outcomes.
The Decline of Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships, once a reliable pathway to employment, are also in decline. Participation among young people has dropped by 20% since 2017/18, largely due to barriers like unnecessary entry qualification barriers, low wages and limited opportunities in desired sectors. If we are to revive apprenticeships as a viable option, these issues must be addressed, ensuring that apprenticeships are attractive and accessible to all young people.
The Importance of Social Mobility
Social mobility remains a significant challenge. Young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are far more likely to be NEET, often due to a lack of social capital networks of family, friends, and mentors who can provide guidance and opportunities. Enhancing social mobility is crucial for creating a more equitable workforce and ensuring that all young people have the chance to succeed.
My Perspective
These challenges are complex, but they also present an opportunity for meaningful change. To address the youth employment crisis, we need a multifaceted approach that tackles the root causes and provides comprehensive support to young people.
My Recommendations
Create More Youth Zones and Hubs: We need spaces where young people feel ownership and can access resources, support, and opportunities. These zones can serve as community anchors, providing a safe environment for personal and professional development.
Double the Uptake of Work Experience: Work experience is crucial for young people, but barriers like financial constraints often prevent them from participating. By doubling the number of work experience placements and providing funding for those with barriers, we can offer more young people the chance to gain valuable skills and insights into the working world.
Promote Social Mobility: Social mobility is key to reducing NEET rates. We must focus on creating pathways that allow young people from all backgrounds to access opportunities, whether through mentorship programmes, educational initiatives, or targeted support.
Focus on Inclusive Workplaces: Employers need to create inclusive environments where all young people can thrive. This means not only addressing diversity in hiring but also ensuring that workplaces are supportive, adaptable, and welcoming to all.
Advocate for Policy Changes: Policy must reflect the needs of young people. We need to push for changes that prioritise youth employment, mental health support, and social mobility, ensuring that all young people have the resources they need to succeed.
The challenges we face are significant, but they are not insurmountable. It will need a culture of collaboration and commitment, one where we can create a future that every young person has the opportunity to succeed. Use these reports as a wake-up call and catalyst for change and work together to build a more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient workforce.
At Inspire 2 Ignite, we are deeply committed to addressing these challenges head-on. Our initiatives focus on creating safe spaces where young people can access resources, mentorship, and work experience opportunities tailored to their needs. We work to promote social mobility by building bridges between young people and the networks they need to succeed. Our programmes are designed to foster inclusive workplaces and advocate for policies that prioritise the futures of young people. Together, we can create a landscape where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
Comentarios