Joe Dromey reacts to youth employment drive
Government plans to give businesses £3,000 for each unemployed 18-24 year-old they hire – Fabian Society comment
Commenting on the Government’s plans to help young people not in education, employment or training, Joe Dromey, General Secretary of the Fabian Society, said:
‘Youth unemployment is devastating for people’s life chances. Small firms are the backbone of our economy, but too many feel it’s a risk to take on a young person when the short-term costs outweigh the benefits.
‘We’re delighted the Government has adopted recommendations from the Fabian Society to improve financial incentives for small businesses taking on young people. This will both help tackle youth unemployment, and build the skills that our economy needs.
“The Government should consider going further, by preventing the use of apprenticeship levy funds on adults who already have a degree.”
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Notes to editors:
Joe Dromey, General Secreary of the Fabian Society, is available for interview on 07736 667917.
A recent Fabian Society report ‘Levying Up’ highlighted how the number of young people starting an apprenticeship had fallen by a third (34%) since the apprenticeship levy was introduced.
The report called for an Apprenticeship Grant for Employers, targeted on SMEs, worth £3,000 for every young apprentice taken on.