Why the UK Government must address jobs for youths and away from our cities in 2010

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by: Sarah Maple
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Word Count: 356
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 Time: 2:25 AM
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As the UK braces itself for a post-Christmas lull in spend and the probability of a predictable, if momentary, slowdown in the economic recovery of the country, many political spectators and those in the job industry are speculating as to who and which people and places in the country are most in need of extra investment.

During January it is 16 and17 year olds who are set to benefit from specialist assistance in finding a job. The January Guarantee announced by Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009 has been established to ensure that all youngsters within that age bracket, and who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), will get a place on an Entry to Employment programme.

However, Gerwyn Davies of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has spoken out against the Guarantee arguing that it is unlikely to do enough for youth unemployment because many firms will continue ‘holding off from taking new workers on'. Additionally, the CIPD wants to see the government encouraging the private sector into taking on young people, as well as offering a £1,250 work-placement subsidy for 16 and 17 year olds who have been out of work for more than six months.

Intriguingly, others have been highlighting the employment issues on a geographical level instead of an age-based one. A recent article published at politics.co.uk discusses an action plan proposed by the Conservative Party which will see investment, tax breaks and new police powers in Britain's coastal towns to boost jobs and employment.

The argument here is that the current government have sidelined such provincial towns, a trend that is argued to have been felt in other provincial towns around the country. Ipswich, for example, is reported to have nearly 5,000 people claiming Jobseekers Allowance - a number which has doubled since 2008.

However, it is urging new business to open in provincial areas which seems to be the key to regeneration. While certain sectors of the market, such as sales jobs are available around the country, the arts, media and digital industries are continuing to see most of their investment focused in and around London and other highly populated areas.

About the Author

Sarah Maple writes about sales jobs and recruitment agencies that also covers IT sales jobs across many sectors.