Youth unemployment has been labelled a 'national emergency' by James Reed, chairman and chief executive of Reed.co.uk. He stated that the cost of hiring is a significant barrier to young people securing their first jobs.
Concerns are growing over the increasing number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in employment, education, or training (NEETs), which has approached one million. This situation has led to warnings of a 'lost generation'.
Research commissioned by Reed.co.uk indicates that 75% of employers find it difficult for young people to enter the workforce. They cited hiring costs, along with a lack of experience and skills, as the primary obstacles. A separate survey of 2,000 UK jobseekers found that 83% believe it is difficult for youngsters to find work.
Both employers and jobseekers expressed concerns about the government's response, with 57% of employers and 60% of jobseekers believing ministers are not doing enough to help young people into employment. Former Cabinet minister Alan Milburn is expected to publish a report on the crisis in the coming days.