Getting young people into work | Burnley MP column

I hope you’re all keeping well and surviving the sudden burst of heat we had over the weekend. I’ve been a typical Brit I must admit – I’ve spent half the year complaining about the rain, then complained the moment it got above 17 degrees.

But nevermind - on to something much more important.

We need to be honest about the challenges facing young people when it comes to work, education and training. Too many young people are being left behind, and for too long governments have failed to properly deal with it. It’s an issue within Burnley, Padiham, and Brierfield but it’s also a big a problem across the country.

Under the last Government, the number of young people not in education, employment or training rose by 250,000. Today, nearly one million young people fall into that category.

That’s not good enough.

Every young person deserves the chance to build a future, gain skills and find secure work. That’s why the Government is introducing the Youth Guarantee. We are going to making sure every 16 to 24-year-old has access to the support and opportunities they need to get into work, education or training.

Over the next three years, the Government will invest £2.5 billion to help young people gain experience, build skills and move into employment or further learning. Nearly one million young people will benefit, with up to 500,000 jobs, training and learning opportunities created.

Last week, the Government launched expanded support for young people claiming Universal Credit and looking for work. From day one of a claim, eligible young people will receive tailored support to help them into employment, an apprenticeship or training.

And if a young person still isn’t earning or learning by week 13 of their claim, they’ll sit down with a dedicated work coach for more intensive support and be guaranteed a referral into one of six pathways. That can be anything from jobs, apprenticeships, work experience, vocational training and workplace programmes designed with employers.

In total, around 900,000 young people on Universal Credit will benefit from this extra support over the next three years.

Young people deserve opportunity, not barriers. Our young people need and deserve support, and they certainly shouldn't be written off at the first hurdle. They deserve a government willing to invest in their future, and that's exactly what we're doing.

There’s still a lot more work to do, but this is a real step in the right direction.

As always if you have any questions or need anything just get in touch by contacting me via email at [email protected] or by attending a drop in with a caseworker from Monday – Thursday from 10am – 2pm.