A report by the Institute for Public Policy Research shows that fewer than half of all young people are ready to work after completing their education.
According to the think tank, only 47% (18-24 year olds) felt ready to enter the workforce. This compares to 60% for those older than 26 years.
Two in five of this age group has never had any kind of work experience. Those in previous generations were more likely to be able to say the same.
IPPR cites the “deepening crisis of opportunity” caused by the rise in the number people not in education or employment (Neet).
IPPR also argues that research has shown that youth from disadvantaged backgrounds have twice the likelihood of being Neet as their more advantaged peers.
The group has asked for the government to create a “social contract” that will ensure that each generation gets better than the previous one.
It would be important to improve the current career education system and increase access to work experiences for those who are at greatest risk of becoming Neet. A short-term wage subsidy program could also be introduced to encourage employers to provide it.
The recommendation would be to provide 80 hours of enrichment and to have access to adult relationships that are trusted, similar to the breakfast clubs offered in primary schools.
IPPR wants the government also to set a target for national apprenticeship starts. It would like to see a portion the levy reserved for those under 25 and a new loan for apprentice maintenance to remove financial barriers.
Avnee Mojaria, associate Director for Public Services at IPPR, and one of its authors, stated: “The Prime Minister’s ambition to equalize the playing field for youth is absolutely correct, but our data show that we are moving too slow, and many are left behind.”
“Neet, with almost a hundred thousand young people in the country now, we need to have a serious plan for rebuilding opportunity.” This means that support should not stop at school gates, but also a national effort in order to help every young person thrive.
Farzana Begum is an ambassador of the Youth Futures Foundation Future Voices group. She added: “We’re taught we can be and do anything we want when we grow up. But the reality is there are systemic obstacles that prevent many young people from thriving in education and employment.
“I would like to see a world where young people will be better supported on their journey to adulthood, and equipped with the necessary skills to successfully navigate this crucial transition. This report provides policymakers with the necessary building blocks to create a better future for young people.
The Youth Guarantee was launched as part of Get Britain working, a white paper that was published in November.
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