A survey of 200 employers has found that the government has failed to win their support for the coalition’s flagship policy for tackling youth unemployment, the Youth Contract. None of the employers polled by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) had used the programme to employ a young person to date. Nearly half (46%) of respondents, who have responsibility for hiring decisions at their organisation, confirmed they had heard of the scheme, but did not intend to use it, and almost one in three (30%) were “not aware” of the Youth Contract.

REC, CEO Kevin Green says:

“The government has the right intentions but this scheme is being poorly executed. Unless there is a change in delivery it will make no impact on the high levels of youth unemployment.”

Below is the comparison of results between July 2012 and May 2013:

• Yes, we have used the Youth Contract to hire at least one young person:
• July 2012 – n/a,
• May 2013 – 0%

• Yes, we are aware of the Youth Contract and will use it:
• July 2012 – 22%
• May 2013 – 18%

• Yes, we are aware but will NOT use it
•  July 2012 – 36%
• May 2013 – 46%

• We are not aware
• July 2012 – 31%
• May 2013 – 30%

• Unsure
• July 2012- 11%
• May 2013 -7%