TUC Calls On Government To Invest In Youth Jobs As A-Level Grades Come Out

Hundreds of thousands of school leavers have got their A level results today and are deciding on their next steps.

About 335,000 students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland got their results and many are finding out if they have the grades to go to university.

But trades unions are warning that young people finishing school, college or university this summer are facing the toughest outlook since 1994.

Analysis from the TUC looks at both employment and education trends over the last 20 years.

It shows that the number of young people who are neither working nor studying full-time is at 20.4%, the highest level since October 1994, with more than one in five 16-24 year-olds currently unemployed.

The high point was 2001 when more than 85% of young people were studying or working, but recession from 2008 onwards has reduced young people's prospects, the trade union federation said.

General secretary Brendan Barber attacked the government's economic policies including EMA cuts and tuition fee hikes.

He called on decision-makers to invest in students' futures.

Mr Barber said: "Students looking to start their careers or continue in their education next month are facing the toughest climate for nearly 20 years.

"It's particularly worrying that long-term joblessness for young people is still rising, even as overall unemployment falls. If this continues we could lose a generation of talented and highly qualified youngsters to blighted careers, debt and under-achievement.

"It's time for a new plan that invests in young people’s futures, rather than stunting careers before they've barely begun."

(NE)