I am proud to be the Chair of the APPG for Youth Employment. The work that this group does is incredibly important in raising the profile in Westminster of what is a key issue for young people across the UK and within Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington.
Over the past few months the APPG has conducted an inquiry into youth employment and today we were proud to launch the report that has come from that.
This inquiry found:
- Pre-existing barriers and new causes for concern have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis, resulting in a large scale youth (un)employment challenge facing the UK
- The true nature and timescale of these challenges may not be revealed for some years
- Those from disadvantaged backgrounds as well as those with existing barriers, particularly those with additional needs, disabilities and other protected characteristics, will need additional support to participate and benefit from the Plan for Jobs
- The need for quality opportunities to be created not just in the short term but as standard going forward. The nature of youth employment in the current labour market is precarious and low quality which leaves it vulnerable to crises such as Covid-19
Please take some time to read the report in full, which is available below.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has contributed to this inquiry and a special mention to LJ and Josh from Youth Employment UK. Without you this APPG would not be the fantastic organisation that it is today.
