Under-25s ‘twice as likely to lose jobs’ during coronavirus crisis

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THE under-25s are to be hit twice as badly by the virus crisis, deepening fears of a lost generation.

Research shows those aged 16 to 24 are 2.3 times more likely to lose their jobs.

Research shows those aged 16 to 24 are 2.3 times more likely to lose their jobs

Young folk are also more likely to fall through cracks in Government aid, such as Universal Credit where they are paid out less.

The seven million-strong age group makes up 14 per cent of the adult population.

But the New Economics Foundation say they are most at risk.

They are cheaper to make redundant and do more “at risk” jobs, such as in retail and hospitality.

Hundreds of thousands face education disruption and a fight to find work when they finish.

The think tank also found non-white workers are 50 per cent more at risk of job losses, women face a 30 per cent higher risk, and renters in social housing face ten per cent greater risk.

NEF economist Sarah Arnold said: “Many of those at high risk are also more financially vulnerable and less likely to have savings.

“Young people are at particularly high risk and will have to rely on our inadequate benefits system.

“Income protection schemes are likely to be unable to provide sufficient support to millions.”

The Government should guarantee a job to anyone left unemployed by Covid-19, another think tank claims.

With more than three million set to be jobless, The Social Market Foundation wants a work and training guarantee scheme including six-month placements and the living wage of up to £8.72 an hour.