Do young people really want to work? Meet Laura-Jane Rawlings, CEO of Youth Employment UK

Steph interviews Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE, CEO and founder of Youth Employment UK, a not-for-profit started in 2012 amid one million young people not in education, employment, or training, a level once again hitting the headlines.  

LJ explains how the organisation captures and amplifies the “youth voice,” through their annual Youth Voice Census, which surveys 11–30-year-olds with nearly 200 questions about all aspects of their life.   

Steph and LJ discuss the key findings such as the impact that a lack of work experience is having, young people’s concerns over the cost-of-living and UK economy and shrinking entry-level jobs.  

With the much-anticipated results of the Milburn Review set to be released in the coming weeks, Steph and LJ also look at some of the potential ways to address the NEET issue including the need for employers and communities to take action, social value procurement, and a youth guarantee. 

Watch episode 39

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