Despite the recent good news from the ONS on joblessness in the UK, youth unemployment continues to be a persistent challenge, and it has received a good deal of attention in each of the main political parties’ Election manifestos.

But the political debate often overlooks the fact that the problem pre-dates the recession in 2008, and is likely to remain with us even as the economy grows in the years ahead. Today’s young people face an increasingly crowded labour market, with rapid technological change bringing unprecedented uncertainty about the future world of work, and the skills required to thrive in it.

Arresting these long-term trends demands a new approach to the problem. Our latest Centre for Cities report looks to the example of eight US cities, facing very similar issues, for inspiration. It argues that we need to emulate the leading role many American cities and businesses take in ensuring young people have access to career opportunities.