Youth contract fails to hit mark for manufacturers – EEF survey
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The government's flagship programme to help get the long-term unemployed back to work is seeing virtually no take up from Britain's manufacturers. This is due to a lack of awareness and, a fear that the absence of basic skills is dissuading companies from taking advantage of the incentive on offer, says the manufacturers' organisation EEF.
According to a new survey by EEF, only one company in 200 had said they were both aware of the scheme and involved with it. Almost half said they were aware but not involved or considering it, while more than one in 10 were not aware and would not get involved.
This contrasts with those accessing an apprenticeship grant to take on a 16 to 24-year-old. The survey shows 16% of companies were aware and involved in this scheme, and a further 22% of companies were aware and considering involvement.
The survey coincides with a report published today by the Work & Pensions Select Committee into the Youth Contract.
EEF director of policy Steve Radley said the lack of awareness was worrying, with manufacturers regarding taking on someone from the Work Programme as a significant risk. Job Centre Plus must play a key role in preparing young people for placements and the government also needed to do more to raise awareness of the programme and the incentives on offer.
