Unemployed young people in South Yorkshire being "let down and left behind"

It's claimed too many young people in South Yorkshire are being "left behind" when they leave school - and ending up unemployed

Published 10th Aug 2017

A charity says young people in South Yorkshire struggling to find work are being "let down and left behind" by the system.

Sheffield Futures is warning support isn't working for those with issues like mental health problems - they're calling for more long-term solutions.

It's as figures show a sharp rise in the number of young people across the UK who aren't in a job or education for more than a year.

Jo Booth's from Sheffield Futures - she says something needs to change:

"We need young people to be able to run out society properly and so many are getting left behind by the lack of that longer term view of the future.

"In the Sheffield City Region we have lots of opportunities and lots of vibrant work happening, new industries moving in but there are a whole swathe of young people who can't access those opportunities. What's available to them is short term and perhaps zero contracted hours work.

"Young people in this situation are really prevented from moving on and achieving those fulfilling lives because a shorter term fix affects them more negatively. We're all around founding out the needs of young people. We very much deal with the young person holistically."

It comes after warnings progress in tackling youth unemployment has "ground to a halt."

22-year-old Philip told Hallam he's spent two years trying to find a job:

"I've tried all sorts of different things and nothing's getting me anywhere - you start thinking what's the point in even applying for things any more?

"At one point I lost all confidence and never left the house - now I'm going out every day, meeting my friends again and learning all sorts of things I never thought I'd do."

The government say the number of young people not in employment, education or training is at a record low.