We need to get to the bottom of ONS statistics
Read CEO Chris Jones' response to the ONS analysis on young people
05 March 2014
/
Commenting on today’s ONS analysis on young people in the labour market, City & Guilds Chief Executive Chris Jones said:
'We need to get to the bottom of the issues raised in today’s ONS statistics on youth unemployment. During National Apprenticeship Week and National Careers Week, we’re meant to celebrate excellence and opportunity, so it is depressing to see that the UK’s youth unemployment rate is similar to levels last seen in 1984 despite the number of people aged 16 to 24 in full-time education more than doubling in the last 30 years.
'Too many young people are in danger of falling through the cracks as their education leaves them unprepared for the world of work. And when young people do find jobs they are some of the lowest skilled in the economy. Our recent research showed that 54% of young professionals regretted their chosen career path. An unhappy workforce is an unproductive workforce which in turn, damages our economy.
'Instead of looking for quick-fixes, we need long-term solutions that equip young people with the skills they need to be successful in the workplace. As well as highlighting alternatives to university, such as apprenticeships, it’s critical that we give young people access to careers advice which is relevant to the 21st century. Only by breaking down the separation between education and employment will we ensure that young people are not consigned to a lifetime on the dole queue.'