Future key workers in jeopardy, warns study
Thousands of doctors, teachers and plumbers could be lost if Britain allows unemployment and unfulfilled aspiration to ‘stifle’ talent, according to new research.
One of the largest ever UK studies of young people not in employment, education or training (Neet) suggests the country could miss out on 19,500 doctors and nurses, 62,000 teachers and 1,500 plumbers if it fails to help unemployed young people into work.
The Prince’s Trust and Citi Foundation report warns that up to 93,000 potential entrepreneurs, 16,000 mechanics and 31,000 social workers could also be lost if youngsters are unable to pursue their ambitions.
Two-fifths (40%) of Neets do not have enough money to buy smart clothes for job interviews, more than half worry they will never be able to afford their own home while those out of work for more than a year are three times as likely to believe that they do not have any skills or talents.
Prince’s Trust chief executive Martina Milburn said: ‘Britain cannot afford to stifle its young talent. We must invest in young people now, giving them all the chance to achieve their ambitions and become the key workers of the future.’
The youth charity has launched a new campaign, Undiscovered, which calls for government, businesses and individuals to help raise £1m a week to support unemployed and disadvantaged young people.
Youth unemployment currently costs the state £3.5m a day in Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Recent research by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that, while the recession was affecting all young people, those from ethnic minorities or with fewer qualifications were far more likely to become part of a ‘generation lost to unemployment and disadvantage’.
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