We need far more determination from this government to get our young people into work. The cost of youth unemployment for the city over the next 10 is an incredible £625 million.
That’s why we’re taking action locally. Recently I met the city’s Work Programme providers to ask what more they can do. Last week, I met the Prince’s Trust, Ashram Housing, and Business In The Community to plan a new push to connect our young people with opportunities they need to make a start in life.
The good news is we’ve agreed to team up and get moving with a business summit to pin down what more local businesses can do – and then we’ll aim to invite lots of young people together to network with people who might be able to help them on. Watch this space for news.