Cambridgeshire firms aim to 'make hay when the sun shines', says group
There are plans in place to triple the size of the local economy by 2050
A group representing businesses in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough believes there's still a need to continue trying to get younger people into work.
As firms move on from the Christmas to New Year period, they could be buoyed by the youth guarantee trailblazer scheme being extended until April 2027.
The government-led initiative allows 18 to 21-year-olds who are not in education, work or training - or at risk of dropping out - to access tailored help to find these opportunities.
"We've got a concerning population of young people who've not felt they've got the right access to employment, education or training," Charlotte Horobin, chief executive officer at the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said.
"We've got to make sure we support those individuals, but equally, we need to make sure businesses are able to open up those types of job opportunities."
'Make hay when the sun shines'
Last month, the county's mayor Paul Bristow unveiled plans to triple the size of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough economy by 2050.
The aim is part of the county's Combined Authority's local growth plan, which aims to make people “healthier, wealthier and happier” by focusing on the area’s strengths and closing key infrastructure gaps.
Perhaps another boost to the economy is the national minimum wage due to rise for 18 to 20 year olds, with a new business rates system also coming in the spring.
Ms Horobin had hoped the Christmas-New Year period would allow local businesses to "make hay when the sun shines."
But she fears concerns around running a business aren't going away.
"Our businesses are so supportive of wanting to recruit and help their local communities, but it does feel right now that it's even harder for them than it should be," Ms Horobin added.
The Treasury has previously said changes announced in the Autumn budget will create a fairer, more modern system.