Young people squeezed out of job market

Reed in Partnership report reveals 68% of 18 to 24-year-olds believe lack of experience is preventing them from finding a job

Young people are being squeezed out of jobs by more experienced older workers accepting a less competitive rate of pay, according to a new report by Reed in Partnership.

In its second annual youth unemployment report, Reed in Partnership - a leading welfare-to-work provider, surveyed 1,800 young people across the UK showing 68% thought that lack of experience was preventing them from finding a job - a rise of 16% from last year.

90% of young people believe it is important or very important to undertake work experience to help secure a permanent job. As a result 53% of 18 to 24-year-olds are now willing to take on unpaid work – up 9% from 2009.

Chris Melvin, CEO Reed in Partnership said, “Good work experience is becoming more and more important to help young people stand out in a competitive market. But, while those with good connections and networks can find opportunities through friends or family, almost two thirds of those looking for work experience can’t find a relevant opening. We need to ensure opportunities are open to everyone or we will exclude many of those most in need of support and risk forcing them into long term unemployment.”

Despite these challenges, the report revealed a high level of optimism amongst young people, with 65% believing it will take three months or less for them to find a job. While competition for jobs continues to be fierce the situation has improved with 61% citing too much competition as a barrier to work compared to 71% last year.

To coincide with the report, Reed in Partnership has published a Top 10 Tips for job hunters to maximize their chances of finding a work:

1. Speak to friends and family – ask everyone you know about hidden job vacancies

2. Chase every application you make, even if it’s only to get feedback and improve

3. Get some work experience

4. Structure your day and plan your job searching

5. Get support in your community – find out who is around to help you

6. Always dress smartly for interviews, even if you don’t think the company will expect it

7. Think about what the employer is looking for

8. Never send a CV without a covering letter and always read a job advert at least twice before you start writing

9. Get creative – use a variety of job searching techniques

10. Don’t get discouraged by rejection – it happens to everyone – so be positive and carry on

Reed in Partnership developed seven recommendations as part of its report. The key recommendation is for the government’s new Work Programme to include an option for young people to undertake work experience. Full recommendations can be found in the report which is available at: http://www.reedinpartnership.co.uk/

For more information and interview requests, please contact: Hannah.Robinson@portland-communications.com or 0207 842 0113

About Reed in Partnership
Reed in Partnership is part of the Reed family of companies, the UK’s leading recruitment, HR services and training provider with 50 years' experience in this market place.

Reed in Partnership Limited specialises in programmes designed to break down the barriers to employment. Working closely with employers, Jobcentre Plus, the Learning and Skills Council, local authorities and specialist agencies, as well as teaming up with many local community and voluntary partners, Reed in Partnership helps the long-term unemployed to overcome their barriers to work, helping them achieve real, positive and lasting change in their lives.

Established in 1998, Reed in Partnership pioneered private sector delivery of New Deal welfare-to-work programmes. Since its launch the company has delivered services to support 150,000 of the hardest to help unemployed people, placed over 100,000 people into employment and worked with more than 25,000 employers, ranging from SMEs to large corporations.

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