Youth unemployment concerns raised

A major UK review into youth unemployment is raising concern about what it could mean for young people here in Ayrshire.

Former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn warns the number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training could rise sharply unless urgent action is taken, with entry-level jobs and apprenticeships becoming harder to access.

While the report looks at national trends, it highlights challenges that are also felt locally across Ayrshire, where schools, colleges and employers are being urged to work together to help create more routes into work and training for young people.

CEIS Ayrshire reported North Ayrshire’s numbers for youths out of work to be above the Scottish Average and one of the highest in the nation.