Zaposlenost mladih se nije u potpunosti oporavila od pada - izvješće

A new report released by Tasc for the National Youth Council of Ireland reveals that youth unemployment remains significantly higher than it was prior to the economic crash of 2008. Despite notable reductions in youth unemployment since its peak, the number of young people in employment has not returned to pre-crisis levels. According to the findings, approximately 120,000 fewer individuals aged 15 to 24 are currently working compared to 20 years ago. This decline underscores ongoing challenges faced by younger generations in securing stable and well-paying jobs. The report indicates that youth employment began to recover following the initial downturn caused by the financial crisis, reaching a high of 320,600 in the third quarter of 2021. However, subsequent progress has plateaued, suggesting that the labor market for young people has not fully rebounded. Recent data from the Central Statistics Office shows that the unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 stood at 12.3 percent in July, marking an increase from the previous month's revised rate of 11.8 percent. This stagnation in youth employment contrasts sharply with the continued rise in labor market participation among older workers. The report highlights a "sharp and lasting fall" in the involvement of young people in the workforce, emphasizing that fewer individuals are actively seeking or engaged in employment compared to the period before the financial crisis. The disparity is further exacerbated by the fact that youth unemployment rates remain more than double the government's benchmark, which is set at two and a half times the rate among workers aged 25 and over. The report also draws attention to the increasing prevalence of sub-minimum wage employment among young workers. It notes that the proportion of those under 20 earning less than the minimum wage has doubled from 15 to 30 percent. Additionally, a growing number of working young people continue to reside with their parents, reflecting broader issues related to affordable housing and financial independence. These factors contribute to a complex landscape where young people face not only unemployment but also precarious working conditions and limited pathways toward self-sufficiency. Tasc chief economist Oisín Gilmore emphasizes that addressing youth unemployment requires more than merely reducing joblessness. He argues that a comprehensive approach must include ensuring access to decent work, adequate income support, and secure housing. Furthermore, the report criticizes Ireland's implementation of the European youth guarantee, noting that while progress has been made, there is a need for more targeted strategies and sustained investment in initiatives aimed at supporting young people entering the workforce. The implications of these findings extend beyond individual career trajectories, affecting societal structures and economic stability. As highlighted by Kathryn Walsh, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the National Youth Council of Ireland, the current state of youth employment reflects systemic challenges such as unaffordable housing, social exclusion, and persistent pressures to emigrate. These issues underscore the necessity for robust policies that address both immediate employment concerns and long-term structural inequalities.