The Light at the end of the Unemployment Tunnel

Many of the UK's young people are facing poverty because of the lack of job and training opportunities available during the recession, according to a recent survey.

The London Voluntary Service Council's second Big Squeeze report looked at the effects the financial crisis has had on young people and the community and voluntary organisations that support them.

Caroline Morecroft-Taunt, fundraising manager at The Prince's Trust, said: "We work with the most disadvantaged young people who are unemployed and low achievers. In the current economic climate they are being overlooked for jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities in favour of more newly unemployed candidates."

The expected and unfortunate result of the ongoing unemployment problems is that the most disadvantaged young people are worst affected.  Whilst young people from financially secure families can more easily afford to seek unpaid work placements or ride out the recession in further study, those without necessary qualifications or the means by which to support themselves when undertaking unpaid internships are quickly seeing their CVs deteriorate.

Not all young people are willing to rely on benefits during periods on unemployment, despite what is often reported in the tabloids.  Tania de St Croix, a youth worker for Elevate in Hackney said: "Many young people have been laid off. Many do not want to claim benefits as they are too proud so are living in great poverty."

The survey found that increasing levels of unemployment had most severely hit disabled people, people from black and ethnic minority communities and young people - the groups who find it hardest to get jobs even at times of economic prosperity.

Mike Sherriff, chief executive of Voluntary Action in Islington, said: "We have been noticing increased unemployment, particularly amongst young people. People cannot afford some services and activities such as sports groups. There is increased demand for some services, especially advice, increased demand to volunteer, but not necessarily the opportunities to do so."

Fortunately, there are organisations, like myplace, focussed on helping young people during this difficult time. The Prince's Trust, Volunteer Centres, Shaw Trust, and numerous other groups exist to help young people get on the employment ladder. Visit Direct Gov - volunteering for useful links and advice on volunteering, and Direct Gov - volunteering centres to find your nearest volunteer centre.