UK Announces 300,000 New Youth Work and Training Placements to Combat Job Crisis
Government Response to Youth Employment Crisis
Overview of the Announcement
LONDON, May 29 (Reuters) - Britain will create additional work experience and training placements for young people, the government said on Friday, a day after a review warned the country risked a "lost generation" locked out of work.
Background on Youth Employment Support Package
The government had previously announced a £2.5 billion ($3.36 billion) youth employment support package unveiled earlier this year, which the government said at the time would help create 200,000 jobs.
Key Details of the New Placements Initiative
- The government will fund 300,000 placements including work experience and short government-funded programmes for jobseekers claiming benefits
- Placements will focus on sectors such as construction, health and social care, and hospitality
Findings from the Alan Milburn Review
- The initiative follows a review led by former minister Alan Milburn, which warned Britain risks a "lost generation" without urgent action
- The report said the number of 16- to 24-year-olds not in employment, education or training has risen to just over 1 million, or one in eight, and could reach one in six within five years
- It highlighted a sharp decline in entry-level jobs and work experience opportunities
- The report said public spending is skewed, with about 25 pounds spent on benefits for every pound on employment support for young people
Exchange Rate Information
($1 = 0.7444 pounds)
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Kirsten Donovan )
