Category: Lost Generation?

As the worst ever recession looms – what price now for the covid generation?

At the start of the 21st century, facing declining opportunities in the labour market - despite being the highest qualified ever,  young people were (rather unfortunately,  as we argued in our 2010 book ) referred to as the  ‘lost generation’. Ten years later, youth’s position in society has continued to remain precarious. Now, with schools, … Continue reading As the worst ever recession looms – what price now for the covid generation? →

Still nearly 1 million NEETS

While unemployment amongst 16-24 year olds has fallen (down nearly 200 000 compared with a year ago), it still remains much higher than that for the population as a whole. What’s more the figures for the last quarter of 2014 show a small increase. Latest ONS figures for NEETS (Not in Education, Employment or Training) … Continue reading Still nearly 1 million NEETS →

Are young people the new poor?

Newspapers have reported research findings from the Intergenerational Foundation on how young people’s prospects continue to worsen compared to other sections of the population. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/10658002/The-over-50s-enjoy-record-earnings-while-younger-workers-wages-fall.html http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/feb/24/young-workers-pay-divide-widens For the Foundation, young people are now the ‘new poor’ – facing  higher levels of unemployment than adults, suffering significant declines in wages and having to spend growing proportions … Continue reading Are young people the new poor? →

Contribution to ‘The Riots One Year On’, London South Bank University Conference

Contribution to ‘The Riots One Year On, A One Day Conference’ 28th September, London South Bank University     RUNNING FROM THE RIOTS – UP A DOWN-ESCALATOR IN THE MIDDLE OF A CLASS STRUCTURE GONE PEAR-SHAPED                                                                                                        Patrick Ainley and Martin Allen Abstract This paper updates one presented to the British Sociological Association Youth Study Group in … Continue reading Contribution to ‘The Riots One Year On’, London South Bank University Conference →

Patrick Ainley Guardian letter 05/07/2012

Another ‘lost generation’ piece by Polly Toynbee  http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jul/02/lost-generation-will-cost-more?fb=native&CMP=FBCNETTXT9038  follows UCAS announcing a 10% drop in English undergraduate applications but still leaving 100,000 without a place. Given the lack of any alternatives, it is no wonder so many still apply but the graduatisation of remaining jobs (barrister to barista etc) pushes those ‘further down the food … Continue reading Patrick Ainley Guardian letter 05/07/2012 →

Youth unemployment. A lot more than One Million

Now  over 1 million (more than 1 in 5); youth unemployment will make headlines this week –yet measuring the extent of joblessness amongst young people is a complex process. To begin with these figures include up to  300,000 full-time students recorded as looking for work, but, as is the case with unemployment statistics generally, they … Continue reading Youth unemployment. A lot more than One Million →

Another rise in A-level pass rates – but no jobs and no uni for thousands of young people

Martin Allen  Despite a further increase in A-level pass rates – the 29th year in succession, a lack of jobs and a shortage of university places means prospects continue to be bleak for large numbers of young people. Unemployment for 16-24 year olds is now 949 000 – up from 917 000 last month. In … Continue reading Another rise in A-level pass rates – but no jobs and no uni for thousands of young people →

Most young people did not riot, but can the ‘Lost Generations’ find their way?

Martin Allen and Patrick Ainley There is more than one ‘lost generation’. We have seen at least two in the past months as young people have taken to the streets. Students have protested against fee rises and now a hard core urban youth have taken the stage.  On both occasions, the media have focused on … Continue reading Most young people did not riot, but can the ‘Lost Generations’ find their way? →

Of our elaborate plans, the end

Patrick Ainley and Martin Allen Society for Research into Higher Education (News)  http://sociologicalimagination.org The Coalition’s reaction to the Browne Review of student fees complements their slashing of 40% of higher education funding. Their new hard cap of £9,000 a year on fees leaves unfunded arts and humanities to be paid for only by those who … Continue reading Of our elaborate plans, the end →