CPAG's Young People and Work consultation response
We welcome the government’s focus on pathways for young people. Many are currently unable to access and participate in learning opportunities and move into quality work, despite their willingness. We know from our work that young people are ambitious and want to develop fulfilling careers. However, there are a range of structural factors that are often working against them and for those who grow up in poverty and/or continue to live in low-income households, the barriers are significant.
We stand at a unique moment in time, with children who grew up in the shadow of austerity moving into adulthood. Given the almost constantly increasing levels of child poverty since the early 2010s, this generation deserve support, compassion and ambition to overcome the structural disadvantages they have been forced to face. The government’s recently published child poverty strategy provides a vital first step to improving the childhoods and life chances of children and young people. This review must build on that positive start, developing a clear vision and recommend a set of investments in our collective future. We encourage the government to work alongside young people to develop effective solutions and to take a holistic approach to supporting them into learning and earning pathways.
This submission draws on CPAG’s analysis and research and is informed by the views and experiences of our Youth Panel, many of whom have lived experience of these challenges.
Our evidence shows that the factors stopping young people from participating in employment, education or training include:
- Growing up and living in poverty
- The high costs associated with education at different stages
- Inadequate provision for young people with SEND and mental health challenges
- Limited careers support and work experience opportunities
- Lack of high quality, secure work opportunities
However, there are steps government can take to ensure more young people can fulfil their potentials and meaningfully participate in the labour market. These include:
- Adequate support through the social security system
- Bringing down the cost of education
- A more inclusive school system
- Working alongside young people to develop solutions.
We ask the review to recognise too that where young people are unable to participate in employment, education or training due to disability or ill health that this is recognised and they are supported to have a decent standard of living.