Chris Goulden, our Director of Impact and Evidence, commented:
“The Office for National Statistics (ONS) job stats released today (15 July 2021) reveal long-term unemployed young people are being left in limbo as the economy shows uneven signs of recovery.
“We’re concerned about the steady rise in long-term youth worklessness; 27% of unemployed 16-17-year-olds have been out work for six months, increasing to 51% for 18-24-year-olds. The number of young people unemployed for more than six months is now around 250,000, a 70% increase compared to a year ago. This will have a scarring impact on individuals and the economy.
“There are stark regional differences in the youth unemployment rate too. For 18-24-year-olds, it is highest in London, West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humberside.”
“We cannot leave young unemployed people in limbo as the economy moves on, benefiting more experienced workers. That is why we are calling on the government to act on its promise of levelling up with a meaningful Opportunity Guarantee.”
