In a bid to tackle the youth unemployment crisis, the government has proposed to pay companies up to £3,000.
On Monday, 16th March, the government brought forward a new scheme titled ‘Youth Jobs Grant.’ It’s a new scheme which sees parliament distribute £3,000 to select companies as a means to address the rampant decline in youth unemployment.
The grant is for people between 18 and 24 years old who are living on benefits and have been actively job hunting for a minimum of six months. It will enable firms to gain financial backing, which can be used towards the purchase of business assets and payroll increases. Additionally, young adults who have spent months job searching will have reassurance in knowing there are more places actively hiring.
Right now, the UK is experiencing a downward spiral in unemployment for the younger generation. Stats show that almost 100,000 people between the ages of 16 and 24 are either unemployed or not in further education. It’s uncertain where the future lies for young adults. Many don’t seem to have access to develop their careers with full-time work or studies.
Why are young people struggling to find work?
There’s a common misconception that young adults don’t want to find work and that they’re just lazy. However, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, argues against this. Instead, he believes employment is in the hands of the system, being a tricky space to navigate. On Monday, 16th March, the secretary addressed this issue at a conference at Waltham Forest College, Walthamstow, London.
