Press Releases
Employment is rising but full-time workers and young people continue to suffer, says The Work Foundation
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Christine George
For immediate release: Wednesday 16 December 2009
Employment is rising but full-time workers and young people continue to suffer, says The Work Foundation
Commenting on today’s labour market statistics, Ian Brinkley, associate director at The Work Foundation, said:
“The labour market has turned a corner. The number of people in work has now started to increase – up by over 50,000 comparing the three months August to October 2009 to the previous three months. Yet, the recovery will not be felt everywhere as the rise in employment is entirely driven by part-time jobs in public-based industries and more traditional services such as hospitality and distribution. Full-time work is still falling driven by continued job losses in manufacturing and acceleration in job losses in construction.
“There is no recovery for the employment for young people. The under 25s were the first to feel the recession and there is no sign of a revival in their job prospects. Employment levels for the under 25s fell by over 80,000 comparing the three months to August and October with the previous three months. In contrast, employment levels for the over 25s went up by 140,000. Firms and organisations are still recruiting, but favouring the more experienced to fill vacancies.
“There is also a marked contrast between the position of young people claiming benefits and those who are not when it comes to long-term unemployment. The Government’s employment services and job and training guarantees have been highly successful in limiting long-term unemployment amongst those aged 18 to 24. In November only 3 per cent of those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or 15,000 individuals who were under 25 had been on the register for longer than 12 months. This compares with 15 per cent of claimants aged between 24 and 50 and nearly 19 per cent of claimants over 50.
“In contrast, the numbers of young people counted as unemployed under the ILO measure but not claiming benefits is becoming worrying. For example, 22 per cent of 18-24 year olds have been out of work for over a year, but do not – for whatever reason – claim benefits. And of the 195,000 16 and 17 year olds (who cannot claim JSA), 15 per cent have been jobless for more than a year.
“The ILO unemployment measure probably overstates the seriousness of the unemployment position amongst young people as, for example, it will pick up those waiting to start an education or training course. But the government needs to step up its efforts to help young people by reaching out to those outside the benefits system.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
Ian Brinkley is available for briefings and interviews.
The Work Foundation is the leading independent authority on work and its future. It aims to improve the quality of working life and the effectiveness of organisations by equipping leaders, policymakers and opinion-formers with evidence, advice, new thinking and networks.
Media enquiries:
Christine George 0207 976 3554
cgeorge@theworkfoundation.com
Christian Zarro 020 7976 3584
czarro@theworkfoundation.com