Young people in Rotherham face the fewest suitable job opportunities in Britain, according to an analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). The report, published today, warns that stark regional divisions are contributing to a crisis in youth work.
The IPPR's new "local youth opportunity index" revealed a sixfold gap in job availability between Rotherham and the Cotswolds. Rotherham has 46 online job vacancies for every 1,000 young people, while the Cotswold district council area has 288.
The analysis found that nine of the 10 best areas for youth job opportunities are located in the south of England. Cities such as Sheffield, Coventry, and Cardiff were also ranked near the bottom for youth employment opportunities.
The report comes as ministers are awaiting recommendations from Alan Milburn's review into youth worklessness. Earlier this year, the number of 16- to 24-year-olds not in employment, education, or training (Neet) surpassed 1 million for the first time in over a decade.