Together with a coalition of FTSE companies, charities and academics we have partnered to launch a major new guide to help organisations recruit and retain talented, marginalised young adults.
Despite record levels of employment, nearly 500,000 young adults aged 16-24 are recorded as not looking for work in Britain today. As evidence emerges of looming labour shortages in construction, retail, agriculture and other sectors, this guide explains why so many talented young people face barriers to work and how to engage them in sustained, full-time employment.
The coalition behind this project is challenging companies not just to engage with young people who might be temporarily unemployed but with talented young adults from a whole range of backgrounds. The Prime Minister recently announced a £90 million investment to help tackle inequalities in youth unemployment highlighted by the Race Disparity Audit.
Clearly, there are costs and challenges associated with this work. But increasingly employers are beginning to recognise it as a critical HR solution, opening up a new source of talent and ideas that will enhance, not just replicate, your existing workforce.
The Guide offers expert analysis to help you understand why young adults with so much latent talent might not be in employment. It provides fantastic examples of employer-led programmes which demonstrate what can be achieved. And lastly, a hand-out with practical advice for any line manager and a short list of do’s and don’ts.
All of the content is available at www.talentedpeoplework.co.uk