Young people who are not in full-time education or employment are facing a job crisis when the furlough scheme ends this month, an expert has claimed.
One million 16 to 24-year-olds of the "Covid generation" are going to struggle to find work according to worrying new analysis of the pandemic’s likely economic effects.
Paul Gregg, professor of economic and social policy at Bath University has carried out the research, reports The Observer.
This comes with the threat of further restrictions being placed on cities and the strain it's putting on companies trying to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.
The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is under growing pressure to give greater support to young people trying to get on the job ladder.
The new study, which will be published on Monday, finds the end of furlough, the scarcity of new positions and the arrival of school and college leavers in the job market will present young people with bleak prospects unless more support is offered.
It warns that the prime minister’s “opportunity guarantee” to young people of an apprenticeship or an in-work placement falls “significantly short of what is needed”.
This comes after Conservative MPs demanding support for workers and companies who are in tier 2 restrictions but not eligible for financial help.
A letter was sent to the Prime Minister from Essex MPs, which has been placed in Tier 2 want better support.
The letter said: “Businesses in our constituencies are very clear about the adverse impact [of] tier 2 restrictions, particularly in the hospitality sector.
"Many fear they may have to close for good … Please can you review the level of financial support in place for businesses under these restrictions.
"This is necessary to avoid permanent economic damage to the local and national economy and this must also apply to other regions of England.”
