Menu
19/09/2012
MPs Committee Says Youth Contract 'Insufficient'
A group of MPs have said that the government's youth contract is not enough to tackle the scale of youth unemployment.
The youth contract provides £1bn for a range of schemes aimed at getting young people into work, but the Work and Pensions Select Committee said the contract was "a good start" but alone would not be enough "to address the current unacceptably high level of youth unemployment".
The youth contract brings together £1bn of funding for a number of schemes, up until 2015, to help get young people into work.
Measures include providing 160,000 employers with a "wage incentive" of £2,275 to take on an unemployed 18-24 year-olds, 250,000 work experience placements and additional support from Jobcentre Plus.
If all targets are met, the contract is expected to create an additional 430,000 work opportunities over the next three years.
Dame Anne Begg, chair of the MP committee said: "Some of the measures in the youth contract have been shown to be effective but they will only make a significant impact if all the targets are met.
"Our concern is that there is a real risk that the government will fall short of its more eye-catching targets.
"In particular, past experience shows that 160,000 wage incentives is a very ambitious target in the current economic climate.
"And 250,000 additional work experience placements for young people may also be unrealistic."
(H)
The youth contract provides £1bn for a range of schemes aimed at getting young people into work, but the Work and Pensions Select Committee said the contract was "a good start" but alone would not be enough "to address the current unacceptably high level of youth unemployment".
The youth contract brings together £1bn of funding for a number of schemes, up until 2015, to help get young people into work.
Measures include providing 160,000 employers with a "wage incentive" of £2,275 to take on an unemployed 18-24 year-olds, 250,000 work experience placements and additional support from Jobcentre Plus.
If all targets are met, the contract is expected to create an additional 430,000 work opportunities over the next three years.
Dame Anne Begg, chair of the MP committee said: "Some of the measures in the youth contract have been shown to be effective but they will only make a significant impact if all the targets are met.
"Our concern is that there is a real risk that the government will fall short of its more eye-catching targets.
"In particular, past experience shows that 160,000 wage incentives is a very ambitious target in the current economic climate.
"And 250,000 additional work experience placements for young people may also be unrealistic."
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2011
Clegg To Launch £1bn Scheme For Youth Jobs
The Deputy Prime Minister has announced a scheme to help the UK's unprecedented Youth unemployment figures, committing £1 billion to put the young into work. Nick Clegg said the aim was to ensure all jobless young people were earning or learning again before long-term damage was done.
Clegg To Launch £1bn Scheme For Youth Jobs
The Deputy Prime Minister has announced a scheme to help the UK's unprecedented Youth unemployment figures, committing £1 billion to put the young into work. Nick Clegg said the aim was to ensure all jobless young people were earning or learning again before long-term damage was done.
17 February 2015
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
Plans Announced To Make Young People Work For Benefits
The Prime Minister has announced a proposal for 18 to 21-year-olds claiming benefits to do daily work experience. The proposed reform, known as Community Work Programme, would see young people not in work, education or training, required to complete daily work experience, alongside continuing to look for work in order to qualify for benefits.
24 June 2009
Govt Urged To Tackle Long-Term Youth Unemployment
The Government has been urged to do more to tackle long-term youth unemployment, after a new report found it is likely to treble between now and the end of 2011. The Centre for Cities reported cities like Sunderland who saw a 9.45% unemployment rate and Barnsley, with 9.13% have been hardest-hit by rising levels of youth employment.
Govt Urged To Tackle Long-Term Youth Unemployment
The Government has been urged to do more to tackle long-term youth unemployment, after a new report found it is likely to treble between now and the end of 2011. The Centre for Cities reported cities like Sunderland who saw a 9.45% unemployment rate and Barnsley, with 9.13% have been hardest-hit by rising levels of youth employment.
15 April 2013
National Minimum Wage To Rise
The government has approved a rise in minimum wage by 12p to £6.31 an hour. Business Secretary Vince Cable confirmed the government has accepted the independent Low Pay Commission’s recommendations for this year’s adult and youth rates. The following rates will come into effect on 1 October 2013: • the adult rate will increase by 12p to £6.
National Minimum Wage To Rise
The government has approved a rise in minimum wage by 12p to £6.31 an hour. Business Secretary Vince Cable confirmed the government has accepted the independent Low Pay Commission’s recommendations for this year’s adult and youth rates. The following rates will come into effect on 1 October 2013: • the adult rate will increase by 12p to £6.
11 September 2009
Research Identifies Poor Image Of Construction Industry
Research carried out by the Construction Youth Trust identifies the poor image of the construction industry amongst teachers, parents, careers advisors and other influencers as a key factor acting as a barrier to disadvantaged young people entering the construction industry.
Research Identifies Poor Image Of Construction Industry
Research carried out by the Construction Youth Trust identifies the poor image of the construction industry amongst teachers, parents, careers advisors and other influencers as a key factor acting as a barrier to disadvantaged young people entering the construction industry.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
