With youth unemployment still at record lows, is there any chance of a bright future around the corner?
The Jobcentre has seen an increase in numbers as youth unemployment continues to cause problems.
The holidays are supposed to be a time of giving, a time to relax and reap the rewards of all the hard work throughout the previous months. But what if there was no work to be had during these said months? Thus no money to spend on their own needs let alone on gifts, and definitely no sense of relaxation. These are just some of the issues that young people in Wales are facing this winter.
A recent report revealed that Welsh shoppers spend the most at Christmas compared with the rest of Britain. Young people in particular claimed to be optimistic about being able to increase their Christmas budget this year. An HSBC study revealed that 29% of people aged between 18 to 24 said they plan to increase their spending, suggesting on the surface, a feeling of encouragement amongst the youth of Wales with regards to their disposable income.
One look at the actual, sobering employment statistics for young people in Wales would suggest otherwise.
Dependence on the dole
Recent employment figures show that 4,455 18 to 24 year olds have been claiming jobseeker’s allowance for over a year (up from 1,130 in August 2011). These figures alone reveal the problems that lie ahead for the youth of Wales.
With Christmas just around the corner, some young people will be forced to curb their holiday spending as they continue to struggle to find work. Stephen Hall, a twenty year old from Cardiff, said “It’s hard finding any decent work, so for now I need the money to have a life so I’ll keep getting benefits until more work comes up.” Lisa Jones, a concerned mother in Cardiff, said that her, “son doesn’t have any motivation to work, he’s always out with friends and most of them are on jobseekers as well. “
Plans in place
The Welsh government is under pressure to improve policies that will aid youth employment. £75million has been set aside for a Job Growth Wales scheme, which hopes to create up 4,000 each year (albeit just six month contracts). Sam Elizabeth from Career Wales says, “Through the Jobs Growth Wales Scheme young people can get jobs in various industries from admin to catering. There are currently 325 vacancies.”
Although this should have a positive impact on youth unemployment, there are concerns that this isn’t a long-term solution, with young people once again returning to unemployment benefits after the six month contract is over.
However, in a recent report by the BBC, First Minister Carwyn Jones has specifically made clear that “Our scheme is designed to ensure sure that there are actually jobs at the end of the scheme for young people”.
The UK Government has set up a similar initiative. The £1 billion project Youth Contract encourages employers to take on unemployed youngsters, with the motivation of £2,000 subsidies. As part of the scheme, work experience placements are also offered.
Not good enough
Although the government schemes are now in place, many feel as though a lot more needs to be done. Further problems arise with the introduction of policies such as increased university fees. More and more people are put off going to university after finishing school, and some struggle to find work during these tough periods.
Plaid Cymru have claimed that the lengths the Welsh government are going to improve youth unemployment are not good enough. The Party of Wales Shadow Economy Minister Alun Ffred said of the proposed plans, “This plan could create almost 50,000 jobs in Wales, and a Party of Wales government would cement this benefit by investing £20m in apprenticeships. Through the available EU match-funding this investment could be doubled, and could create more than 5,000 apprenticeships annually.”
Youth Fight for Jobs, a protest group representing young people have developed individual branches across major locations throughout the UK. After a recent week-long campaign across Wales, which involved both speeches form the organizers and marches through town. Organizer Gareth Bomhall said that, “This finished a fantastic week for the organization in Wales, in which we highlighted the issues facing young people; benefit cuts, EMA cuts, rising tuition fees, transport costs, and ultimately the capitalist system that needs to be replaced.”
Although the Welsh government recognizes that there is a problem with youth unemployment across Wales, there are still concerns as to what lies ahead. With protest groups and political parties pressurising the government to do more, there is potential for improvement. But despite claims of optimism with regards to their financial situation, the youth of Wales must continue to fight the current predicament for the good of their futures. Perhaps then the burden on their wallet won’t be so heavy next Christmas.