Unlocking youth employment. Opportunities for employers and marginalised groups.

3 Jul

This report highlights the disparities in employers' awareness, intentions, and actions regarding the recruitment of young people from marginalized backgrounds and emphasises the need for coordinated efforts across business, government, and civil society to improve employment pathways and support for these individuals.

This report was originally published by Youth Futures Foundation as part of the Good Jobs Project.

The Good Jobs Project is a collaborative initiative led by ReGenerate, which focuses on reducing barriers for marginalised groups in accessing employment opportunities.

This spotlight report delves into employer perceptions and practices particularly regarding marginalised young people. While employers acknowledge the existence of marginalized groups, including those with experiences in the criminal justice system, care leavers, and minoritized groups, there are disparities in perceptions, and negative biases often hinder active steps toward recruitment.

The report not only identifies challenges but also highlights the potential for positive change. Employers express a belief in the business case for hiring a more diverse group of employees and a willingness to alter their behavior and practices. It underscores the importance of addressing these gaps and advocates for a coordinated effort across business, government, and civil society to improve pathways into employment and in-work support for marginalized youth.

The report calls for a holistic, joined-up system and urges the government to provide financial support and incentives for employers hosting young apprentices, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds such as care leavers. This approach aims to break down barriers and ensure that marginalized young people are not viewed as a problem but rather as individuals with the potential to contribute meaningfully to the workforce.

Lead author(s): Youth Futures Foundation