Unemployment figures underline need for better employment support for young people

Lucy Bannister, Head of Policy and Influencing at Turn2us said:  

"Today’s unemployment figures are a reminder that many people face significant barriers to finding and sustaining work in the current economy.

"This is particularly the case for young people. The Milburn Review, launched today, will seek to understand the complex reasons behind this worrying trend. However, the government’s ambition to support more people into work is doomed to fail unless it addresses the current culture, reputation and fear associated with Jobcentres. 

"Currently, a culture of surveillance, suspicion and control leaves people feeling infantilised and undeserving. This is detrimental to people’s health and makes finding work harder. 

"Instead of a punitive approach, work coaches need the capacity, time and training to build claimant trust and confidence, and to understand each claimant’s unique ambitions and challenges. This means using sanctions only as a last resort. 

"The Milburn Review provides a pivotal opportunity for the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver employment support that is grounded in dignity and respect, and that boosts confidence and ambition to set young people up for the future."