Press Room
Government brings forward help for young unemployed
The Chancellor has advanced his commitment to
provide work or job related training to help the young
unemployed but more needs to be done to help all those in
unemployment and not just the young says leading business and
financial advisers Grant Thornton.
Ellie Gamble, senior tax manager at Grant
Thornton comments, "The shortening of the qualifying period
from twelve to six months before useful occupation for the young
unemployed is guaranteed outlined today is welcome news. With one
in five of Britain's 16-24 year olds out of work*, the continued
rise of unemployment in the medium term remains a major impediment
to the growth of the UK economy.
"Plans outlined today may go some way to bring
down the perceived rate of unemployment. However it is of true
concern that not enough is still being done to help all those
unemployed and not just the young. Whilst the rate of unemployment
has slowed down, this is partly because people have taken pay cuts
and are working reduced hours. It remains to be seen whether the
jobs that are created under this guarantee will be real,
sustainable jobs, or if we are simply returning to the days of
previous recessions where there were a multiplicity of 'schemes'
for young people, few of which led to lasting employment.
"Nevertheless the Government's new proposals
may go some way towards helping to prevent a lost generation of
young people."
For Pre Budget Report commentary please contact:
Suvra Datta, PR Manager, Grant Thornton 0207 728 2375
Ellie Gamble, Senior Tax manager, Employer Solutions. 0207 728
2217