Unemployment: Young People
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of the potential reasons for the increase in the number of unemployed 16 to 24 year olds in the last year.
Answered by Alison McGovern
The Department understands the negative effects of unemployment can be particularly pronounced for young people and can have longstanding implications on their future earnings potential and life chances. A range of factors influence employment opportunities for this age group, including low skills levels, disadvantage linked to socio-economic background, care experience, health issues (in particular, worsening mental health) and higher prevalence of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
This is why despite Youth Employment increasing by 39,000 since publication of the governments White Paper Get Britain Working - GOV.UK DWP have a focus on ensuring young people are supported into employment, whilst also recognising their needs will vary depending on where they live and their own individual circumstances
DWP already provides young people aged 16-24 with labour market support through an extensive range of interventions at a national and local level. This includes flexible provision driven by local need, nationwide employment programmes and support delivered by Work Coaches based in our Jobcentres and in local communities working alongside partners.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →