After last week’s disappointing jobs statistics showed that youth unemployment is still increasing, the REC has called on the business community to become involved in proactive initiatives such as the Youth Employment Charter.
The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 973,000 young people are without a job, a month-on-month increase of 78,000.
Tom Hadley, the director of policy and professional services at the REC, said that while is the overall situation is one of concern, youth unemployment is one of alarm. The REC continues to push the government to come up with tangible measures, such as giving employers an NIC holiday if they take on young people, but the business community also has a major role to play.
The Youth Employment Charter aims to raise awareness and aspirations among future workers through co-operation with colleges and schools and by highlighting instances of how recruiters are making a real difference.
Meanwhile, David Cameron is urging MPs to get out and about in their constituencies and experience day-to-day life in a small business.
The FPB has set up the Business Buddy Scheme to help politicians gain an insight into the problems facing the small business community. Oliver Letwin, the Cabinet Office minister, has already taken part by visiting Bridport Gourmet Pies who are based in his constituency in West Dorset.
The PM says he has also been visiting small businesses in his constituency in West Oxfordshire and he praised the diversity of the businesses that range from cutting-edge design to specialist shops and renewable energy companies.
Cameron wants the UK to be entrepreneur friendly, but to achieve that the government has to understand the issues SMEs face on a regular basis. Armed with that information, the coalition hopes to ensure that entrepreneurs receive all the help they need to start off and grow a successful business.
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