Understand
Young jobless people in Jarrow feel ignored by employers, mirroring struggles 90 years after the historic march
Overview
Ninety years after the original Jarrow March, nearly one million young people in the UK remain not in education, employment, or training (Neet), with the north-east of England facing the highest rates. Young jobseekers in Jarrow report feeling ignored and facing barriers such as lack of experience, no feedback from employers, and unfair stereotypes. Meanwhile, the government and local initiatives are proposing reforms, including expanded apprenticeships and a new £250,000 local fund, to help young people secure employment.
Key points
- Nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are classed as Neets (not in education, employment, or training), with the north-east of England experiencing the highest rate.
- Nineteen-year-old Keir Gulia from Hebburn feels ignored by employers after receiving no responses to his apprenticeship applications following a qualification in vehicle repair.
- Other young people in Jarrow highlighted difficulties finding work due to a lack of experience, absent employer feedback, childcare issues, and perceived unfair stereotypes.
- The UK government has proposed reforms, including the expansion of a Local Apprenticeships Service to deliver thousands more apprenticeships for young people.
- A £250,000 local fund called the Jarrow March Next Steps Fund has been established to offer small grants to young people aged 12 to 18 over the next decade to help with work experience, interviews, and training costs.