2012: Year when the youth unemployment battle will be lost or won

Out of work teens need additional help to get on the career ladder.

Young people in the South West will need extra help to get a foothold on the career ladder during 2012.

That is the view of the managing director of a leading recruitment company.

With unemployment expected to hit 8.8 per cent, Cameron Watson, of Pertemps, says 2012 will be the year when the youth unemployment battle is either lost or won.

Responding to a report published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, which predicts a further rise in unemployment, Mr Watson said: “Youth unemployment will be where the battle is won or lost in 2012.

“Unemployment among 16-24 year olds rose to record numbers this year and has rightly been identified by the government when it recently created its Youth Contract scheme.

“Long term unemployment will continue to be a threat for the South West in 2012 so we can’t afford to place workers in unsuitable positions, which is a so-called solution that only adds a sticking plaster to the problem.

“Young people must do more to perfect the way they approach perspective employers but at the same time, employers must be prepared to aid young people who are making the transition from education to full-time work for the first time. They certainly aren’t short on talent, they just lack the experience and with some nurturing and mentorship, they will make useful additions to any workforce.”