The economic recession that began in 2007 continues to affect a great number of U.K. businesses and one of its effects is the decrease in the number of jobs available to young people. The situation becomes particularly challenging for them since many employers value the experience of candidates (UK Commission for Employment and Skills 2012, p. 4).
Furthermore, one should note that the economic downturn and competition force many companies to reduce their labor costs. Therefore, it may be difficult for some of the candidates to retain their jobs. These are the main aspects of economic climate.
There are several trends of youth unemployment that one can identify. First of all, it should be noted that young people are traditionally occupied in sales or elementary jobs (UK Commission for Employment and Skills 2012, p. 4). Yet, the number of such jobs has significantly decreased within the last decade. The second trend is the growing number of small businesses.
To some extent, it is a positive tendency because it leads to job creation. Nevertheless, these organizations usually focus on the experience of a professional. Furthermore, one should note that young people often need informal relations with in order to secure employment (UK Commission for Employment and Skills 2012, p. 4).
Additionally, young people, who continue their education, are less likely to be employed because companies usually require full commitment of their workers (UK Commission for Employment and Skills 2007, p. 12). These are the main tendencies that are important for explaining youth unemployment.
It is important to discuss the education of young people and the expectations of employers. First of all, schools and colleges can give a person a set of skills that are necessary for a certain profession. Furthermore, good education ensures that a graduate can acquire new skills in the course of his/her career.
Overall, the majority of companies are satisfied with way in which educational institutions prepare young people for work (HM Government 2012, p. 7). Nevertheless, companies expect new hires to integrate into the organization as quickly as possible. An employee can do it provided that he/she has previous working experience. Furthermore, they expect full commitment and motivation of every worker.
It should be noted that some of the companies attempt to increase the percentage of young employees. These organizations normally work in such sectors as manufacturing, public administration, education and healthcare (The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 2011, p. 1).
Certainly, these organizations also value experience of potential candidates, but they also value the ability of an employee to bring innovations. This is why they hire young candidates.
Companies adopt several strategies in order to recruit the most talented candidates among young people. First of all, one can speak about graduate programs that are supposed to identify potential candidates even before they start searching for a job (The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 2012, p. 16).
Furthermore, many organizations prefer to hire interns who have not yet graduated (The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 2012, p. 16). These strategies increase the opportunities that young people have.
However, one should note that such practices are adopted by large organizations that have the resources to implement such programs. For instance, one can mention IT companies, hospitals, or public agencies. Yet, one cannot say the same thing about small businesses.
References
HM Government 2012, Supporting youth employment, HM Government, London.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 2011, Labor Market Outlook: Young People. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, London.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 2012, Annual Survey Report, Resourcing and Talent Planning, The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, London.
UK Commission for Employment and Skills 2007, Youth Inquiry Evidence Base, UK Commission for Employment and Skills, London.
UK Commission for Employment and Skills 2012, The Youth Employment Challenge.Web.