Youth unemployment met head on

TACKLING youth unemployment in Bassetlaw was on the agenda this week as leaders of industry, business and politics joined forces to get more young people into jobs.

A task force to combat youth unemployment in the region met in Worksop for the first time in response to the growing concern that future generations are being starved of employment opportunities.

In the first of what will be regular meetings between now and the new year, the group initially looked at the scale of the challenge ahead, learning what is currently being done and what needs to happen in the future.

Leader of Bassetlaw Council Simon Greaves said: “Youth unemployment is a local and national concern and the council is committed to improving the opportunities and prospects of young people in the district.”

“We’ve joined forces with businesses, key agencies and stakeholders to find out how we can kick-start further opportunities for young people and create a gateway into employment.”

He added that support would not only be given to young people in their search for jobs, but also local business who wished to be part of the project.

“There is no easy solution, but we are committed to working together to address this issue,” he said.