Due to the pandemic, young people have had to endure colossal disruption at a fundamentally crucial and formative stage in their lives. The statistics speak for themselves: a large and alarming rise in the number of young people presenting with acute mental health problems and a significant rise in the percentage of young people aged between 18-24 who are out of work – now standing at a very concerning level at 10% for this age group.

Similarly, the number of 16-18-year-olds not in any form of education, employment, or training (NEETS) is already far too high and increasing. These worrying employment statistics occur at a time when businesses are experiencing acute labour shortages as they recover from the consequences of the pandemic and Brexit. Paradoxically, employers are seeking to recruit, particularly young people, who are skilled, motivated, disciplined and have a strong work ethic, to join their workforce.