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Unemployment figures - REC calls for collective action to help young job-seekers

The latest unemployment figures published today by the Office for National Statistics, has shown the number of people out of work has risen by 23,000 to 2.47 million in the three months up to April.

Commenting on these figures, Kevin Green, the REC’s Chief Executive said:

 “It’s disappointing to see the number of people out of work edging towards 2.5 million again. We do not believe that we will get near the three million mark that some have predicted, especially as we are seeing signs of increasing confidence and demand for staff in the private sector. However, there are legitimate concerns over how public sector expenditure cuts will impact on jobs. 

“It’s particularly worrying to see that there are currently 926,000 16-24 year olds that aren’t in work or some form of training.  We need to do more to help these young people get on the first rung of the jobs ladder if we are to avoid a jobless generation. The REC will be making specific recommendations to Government on youth employment issues over the next few weeks. It is not all about Government action: the UK business community has a pivotal role to play in build bridges into the world of work for the increasing number of young job-seekers.”