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Plans to tackle youth unemployment 'needed'

Plans need to be put in place to tackle the growing problem of youth unemployment in the UK, one sector expert has argued.

Chris Goulden, JRF poverty research manager, said the easing of this issue could go a long way to helping tackle many social issues currently facing the UK.

He commented: "Research shows that any time spent out of work can have a negative impact on later earnings and career potential. This is one of the reasons why government has been putting extra support in for young people at this time."

Indeed, Mr Goulden noted job security, longevity and providing training for young people are all areas that will need attention in the near future.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, the number of people in full-time employment fell by 54,000 for the three months to January 2010 to reach 21.16 million, but the number of people in part-time employment was unchanged at 7.70 million.

However, the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance decreased by 32,300 between January and February 2010 to reach 1.59 million. This is the largest monthly fall in the claimant count since November 1997.