Although there are plenty of pointers, yesterday's employment statistics didn't tell us very much about the real effects of the covid crisis on the labour market - and particularly the fate of young people, a new 'Covid Generation' It's been predicted youth unemployment will rise by 600,000. As with figures for unemployment across the population, … Continue reading Jobless figures: the lull before the storm
Boris Johnson’s apprenticeship promise
In some respects, Boris Johnson’s promise of an apprenticeship to every young person is reminiscent of David Cameron’s pledge to create three million new apprenticeships over 5 years. In other respects the circumstances are quite different. Cameron apprenticeship promise was made in the run up to the 2015 election; but now the government is bracing … Continue reading Boris Johnson’s apprenticeship promise
As a new academic year approaches, Scottish parents call for virtual school.
As anxieties grow at the prospect of continued home schooling into the autumn, some Scottish parents are calling for a Scotland-wide virtual school. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/may/31/parents-call-for-virtual-school-for-scottish-pupils Scottish schools are due to reopen in early August, but without a vaccine and with coronavirus being suppressed and contained rather than eliminated, it is difficult to imagine a full return. … Continue reading As a new academic year approaches, Scottish parents call for virtual school.
Despite inequalities in ‘on-line’ and home learning – a different type of school is necessary.
Government is trying to get schools open before the academic year ends. Many Tories have long wanted to open primary schools in particular, so parents can get back to work –so reducing further hits to the economy; but others including the Childrens Commissioner, the Head of Ofsted and some Labour front-benchers, are now increasingly concerned … Continue reading Despite inequalities in ‘on-line’ and home learning – a different type of school is necessary.
HE crisis – more cash but only if there’s ‘restructuring’
Government has agreed to provide ‘stabilisation’ support for the university sector – now plunged into crisis as a result of the potential collapse in overseas student numbers. https://education-economy-society.com/2020/04/27/falls-in-student-numbers-put-universities-in-crisis/ But providing longer term finance is likely to come at a price. According to the Financial Times (07/05) any further support would require a ‘restructuring regime’ aimed … Continue reading HE crisis – more cash but only if there’s ‘restructuring’
40% now dependent on state funding – another step to a basic income?
Using data from government and media outlets, it can be estimated that about 40% of the adult population are now dependent on state funding to survive. For example, over 6 million workers are furloughed, there have been 1.8 million additional claims for universal credit – on top of the pre-crisis figure of well over a … Continue reading 40% now dependent on state funding – another step to a basic income?
Falls in student numbers put universities in crisis.
Faced with a significant fall in student numbers, because of the covid crisis, universities are calling for a government bailout. Research for the University and College Union (UCU), based on the intentions of new students, estimates a £2.5 billion shortfall and 30 000 job losses The report predicts that universities could lose £1.5bn in international … Continue reading Falls in student numbers put universities in crisis.
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?
Is releasing younger workers the best route out of lockdown?
With the economy grinding to a halt as the lock-down continues, proposals about how some younger workers might be freed from at least a part of it, emerged last week. Researchers at Warwick University Business School argue that young people between 20-30, not living with their parents should be released from lock-down. 'In comparison … Continue reading Is releasing younger workers the best route out of lockdown?
Lock down will hit young people the hardest.
If medical evidence shows young people to be least affected by coronavirus, they are most likely to suffer economically. The Institute of Fiscal Studies reports that employees aged under 25 are about two and a half times as likely to work in a sector that is now closing down. https://www.ifs.org.uk/publications/14791 Some economists are predicting that … Continue reading Lock down will hit young people the hardest.
