School Leavers 'Facing Dole Queue'

This summer's school leavers could face the toughest struggle to find a job since the crash of 1929, a report by Prince's Trust and University of Sheffield has warned.

The report found that the number of 18-25-year-olds claiming Jobseekers Allowance - which currently stands at 472,100 - is predicted to double to a million, if trends follow those of previous recessions.

The report, The Prospects of This Year's School Leavers, warns that one in five young people collecting their GCSEs next week could be on the dole by the time they are 21, if trends are in line with the 1980s recession.

Those leaving school with no GCSEs are twice as likely to sign on as those with qualifications.

Professor Danny Dorling from the University of Sheffield commented: "If the number of young people on the dole exceeds a million, this summer's school leavers will be the hardest hit since the 1929 crash - with those without qualifications worst off.

"However, the rate of youth unemployment in the recession to come will depend almost entirely on what opportunities young people are offered. This is why we must act now."

Martina Milburn, Chief Executive of youth charity The Prince's Trust, commented: "If a million young people sign on for just two weeks, the cost to the state will be more than £100 million. It is more important than ever that we support those with fewest qualifications before they become a lost generation."

The report has been released as the Trust announces new job training opportunities in job sectors most likely to endure the recession.

According to the Trust's research, health and social care and some areas of hospitality are expected to remain stable and potentially experience growth in the recession.

A series of new schemes is being launched by The Trust in response to the findings, developing more young people's skills in these sectors.

(KMcA/BMcC)