A job is like finding a needle in a haystack': how Dudley became centre of UK's youth jobs crisis

"Trying to find a part-time job is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, says the 17-year-old trainee mechanic. They don't care what grades you have, they just want experience, chimes in Thomas, his course mate. Derek Fowkes agrees: Teenagers end up working in KFC or McDonald's. Dudley is at the centre of a youth jobs crisis sweeping Britain."

"At the autumn budget later this month, Rachel Reeves is expected to outline how the government plans to turn the tide. While she is widely predicted to announce a tough package of tax rises and spending cuts, the chancellor will need to keep some firepower in reserve to tackle rising unemployment. Having promised a youth guarantee at Labour's party conference in September, she is expected to spell out how it will work in practice and make the financial backing available."

Dudley has one of England's highest rates of 16- and 17-year-olds not in education, employment or training, with one in five in that position. Nearly 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds across Britain are NEET. Young trainees report employers prioritise experience over qualifications, pushing many into low-skilled retail or fast-food jobs. The chancellor is expected to present measures at the autumn budget including a youth guarantee and funding for skills, training and apprenticeships. Business leaders warn rising economic inactivity among young people threatens growth, public services and can cost individuals over £1 million in lifetime earnings.

Read at www.theguardian.com