"Where we fail, will you do the decent thing and step in and do our job for us..?"

Asks ERSA:

The Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) has today welcomed the vast majority of recommendations in the Work and Pensions Committee’s report on Youth Unemployment and the Youth Contract.

Following extensive consultation with members, ERSA provided both written and oral evidence to the Committee earlier this year, many of the recommendations of which have been picked up by the Committee.

Responding to the report ERSA’s Chief Executive, Kirsty McHugh, said:

“The report highlights concern amongst employment services providers about the eligibility criteria for the new Youth Contract programme focused on 16 and 17 year olds. We agree with the Committee that a broader set of eligibility criteria would better focus support on those who need it most and make it a more deliverable programme. We also believe that the maximum funding of £2,200 per young person may not be sufficient to allow for the intensive interventions often required to provide effective support for the most disadvantaged NEETs.

“ERSA also agrees with the Committee’s view that the introduction of wage incentive for employers is a welcome step in encouraging firms to take on young recruits, the vast majority of whom will be a valuable addition to the workforce. We strongly urge the Government to keep take-up under review and consider targeted marketing campaigns where take-up is low.”

A copy of the Committee’s report is available here.

Emailed in by Bob E.