Young people are in danger of moving further and further away from employment - Clare Higgins

Financial pressures are compounded by the employment barriers that our young people are facing, as too many are unable to access secure jobs. Over two fifths of those we spoke to in the region said there are no good job opportunities in their local area and almost half expressed concern that they lacked the skills, experience or qualifications to pursue the careers they want. Those in work have worries about losing their jobs and not being able to find work again.

These findings demonstrate the stark reality that our young people are facing and demonstrate the importance of supporting them to succeed and be prepared for the changing economy. At The King’s Trust we believe that young people are the future; failing to support them could have serious consequences on the Yorkshire community and economy.

We’ve seen that those not in work or education have the lowest overall confidence and wellbeing in their futures, compared to any other group. Without urgent action, we risk isolating a generation, locking them out of accessing their potential and having stable and fulfilling lives.

The figure of young people that are not in any form of employment, education, or training keeps rising, hitting almost a million across the UK. Without proper support our youth are at danger of moving further and further from employment and in turn, further from their life goals.

Despite the avalanche of barriers our young people face, the young people of Yorkshire are resilient and resolute. Of those we spoke to, almost two thirds expressed that they feel determined to achieve their goals in life.

The majority of young people are telling us that having a job makes them feel confident about their future and gives them the financial stability they seek, and this is echoed by the young people we support at The Trust.

Young people have the ambition and potential to thrive, but we must ensure that they have the right support, skills and opportunities to take control of their futures. Those in Yorkshire said that help with employability skills such as CV writing and interviewing, support with securing work experience opportunities and confidence building would be beneficial in helping them take their next steps.

It is vital that we work together as a society to help the young people of Yorkshire to access the support they need to get into training and jobs. This will not only transform their lives and help them achieve their potential but will also benefit the local communities they live in and will be the key to driving the local economy of the future.

Clare Higgins is head of delivery for Yorkshire and the Humber at The King's Trust.