David Blanchflower on the lost generation

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David Blanchflower on the lost generation

01 Oct 2009

Leading labour economist Professor David Blanchflower discusses how the recession is affecting young people and their future prospects. He explains the depth of the recession, the possibilities for recovery and the extent to which 'the young' are suffering the fallout.

After Professor Blanchflower's speech, four more experts in the area of youth and employment discuss the prospects for Britain's youth and share their views on how best to provide employment for the young.

Stephen Timms looks at the success rate of recovery and preventative policies. He remarks that, despite its seriousness, the effects of the credit crisis have not been felt as severely as in previous recessions, and this has mainly been thanks to successful government policies.

Terry Ryall explains the work of The National Young Volunteers Service, which helps to mentally nourish young people, providing them with skill, developing training, and improving confidence. Ryall asks that services such as the NYVS be given more attention from the government sector in order to address the crises affecting young people.

Miles Templeman discusses the proposition of employing the young over the old. He asks what employers can do and explains that new jobs muct be created because old ones will not come back.

Wes Streeting recognises and analyses the initiatives of government bodies in addressing the problems facing the lost generation.

David Willetts discusses government monetary policies aimed at encouraging employment and recovery. He explains that youth unemployment cannot be explained by recession alone; in order to tackle it, broader solutions should be discussed.