Youth hardest hit
However, despite these positive trends, the youth unemployment rate still stands at an unacceptable 23.1 per cent – a level that remains stubbornly above the UK as a whole.
There is little doubt that our young people were among the hardest hit by the economic downturn and they continue to be at a significant disadvantage during our fragile recovery as jobs and opportunities remain few. While we are beginning to see a slight improvement in youth employment, there is still much to do. We must continue to unlock the talent in this generation and equip our young people with the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
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Hide AdWe know it is a generation who desperately want to succeed, with 80 per cent of the young people the trust works with moving forward into jobs, enterprise, education and training. It will take a commitment and real focus from public sector bodies, private sector partners and the third sector to bring the Scottish Government’s All Scotland vision to life; collaboration has a vital role to play in rebuilding Scotland’s economic future.
The latest unemployment figures should give us hope, but much work remains to be done before Scotland can reap the rewards of an engaged and employed youth.
Heather Gray
Prince’s Trust Scotland
Renfield Street
Glasgow