Life hard for young unemployed

Aug 20 2012

Almost three-quarters (73%) of young people in Scotland claim that life is harder than ever for the young unemployed, according to a new report.

The study found that nearly half (49%) of young people north of the border think finding a job is harder than this time last year.

More than two-fifths (45%) feel disposable in their current job, according to the report by The Prince's Trust and the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS).

The research has been published to highlight the trust's new campaign, the A-Z of Young Businesses, which is encouraging unemployed young people to consider self employment.

More than half of young people in Scotland (60%) believe that setting up in business would give them a sense of achievement and purpose, while 54% think it is a viable route out of unemployment, the research found.

The Prince's Trust's Youth Business Scotland programme aims to support young people as they explore the idea of setting up a business.

Heather Grey, director of The Prince's Trust Scotland, said: "It is clear that it's a difficult time for young people in Scotland as they're becoming increasingly disillusioned with their lives. The Prince's Trust is committed to ensuring young people receive the right support to help them move forward into education, training, employment and self-employment.

"Through our Youth Business Scotland programme, young people have the opportunity to explore and test their business ideas and will be fully supported by business mentors. The start-up funding the trust offers is a vital investment for our young entrepreneurs and allows them to create opportunities for themselves at a time when unemployment remains a persistent barrier.

"By investing in young people, The Prince's Trust has a significant role to play in improving economic growth in Scotland by empowering young people to fulfil their potential."

The A-Z of Young Businesses, which is supported by RBS, showcases 26 of the young people who have been supported into business by the scheme in the face of rising unemployment.