'Whole generation is at risk' - Cumbria Chamber backs calls to fix Gen Z jobs crisis
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has responded to the release of a report warning of a "lost generation" unless the government takes urgent action to tackle the employment crisis affecting young people.
The new report, published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), has called for action to remove barriers preventing almost a million people in Generation Z from engaging with work, education, and contributing to society.
The BCC is urging ministers to invest in support to help young people into work, support SMEs to take on and train young people, increase workplace health support for businesses, and set a target to reduce the proportion of young people not in employment, education, or training (NEETs) to that of the Netherlands.
The report, produced by the BCC's People and Work Challenge Group, says that tackling the NEET challenge could add £69bn to UK output.
It also calls for the Government to align its response to the issue across all departments, saying that the problem is likely to worsen in the short term.
According to the report, only 13 per cent of businesses currently have specific recruitment, training, or retention plans for under 25s.
The BCC believes SMEs, in particular, are missing out on the benefits of a "targeted approach" to youth employment.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the number of NEETs has risen by more than 110,000 between the end of 2023 and 2024.
In October to December 2024, there were 987,000 NEETs, including 392,000 unemployed and 595,000 economically inactive.
Suzanne Caldwell, managing director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and lead for Cumbria's Local Skills Improvement Plan, said: "The situation here in Cumbria is significantly less bad than the national picture.
"There were 306 young people classed as NEET in February 2025, which is 22 fewer than in January.
She added: "But those Cumbria figures do hide pockets of particular challenge and we're failing our young people if we don't address them.
Ms Caldwell concluded: "Unless more comprehensive action is taken a whole generation is at risk of being cut loose from society."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Miami Herald
15 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Grocers need to do a better job of explaining prices, shoppers say
Grocery shoppers have only a lukewarm impression of the steps supermarket operators have taken to communicate about factors that could or already do affect what they pay for food, according to survey results released Thursday by research firm The Feedback Group. Respondents to the poll of about 1,100 shoppers, conducted this spring, gave an average score of about 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 when asked if their primary grocery store has "communicated in some way" about how tariffs might impact prices. People were only slightly more pleased with the way stores have explained why groceries have become more expensive over the past few years, giving an average grade of just under 3. While people who participated in the survey placed the highest level of blame for increases in supermarket prices over the past few years on government policies and actions, they also indicated that they think grocers are benefiting from price increases. Respondents said they believe grocers have a profit margin of 30%, a figure that was down slightly from a similar poll The Feedback Group conducted last year. Grocery chains recorded a net profit margin after taxes of 1.6% in 2023, according to figures from FMI - The Food Industry Association. The majority (87%) of participants said they expect the tariffs the Trump administration has announced - but not fully implemented - would cause their grocery bills to increase, with only about half saying they thought their costs would increase significantly. Sixty-one percent of respondents said they are "stressed about rising grocery prices," although the figure varied significantly by generation. Seven in 10 participants who belong to Generation X reported that grocery inflation is stressful for them, compared with 65% for Generation Z and 36% for the Silent Generation. Asked which types of groceries they expect to become more expensive because of tariffs, almost 90% of poll participants said they think the prices of imported foods would increase. Two-thirds believe household goods will become pricier because of tariffs, while 63% of respondents said they think meat and poultry costs would go up. More than 60% of participants said they are buying more items on sale because of grocery inflation, which has recently eased. Half said they eat at home more frequently, while about 40% have bought more private label products. Copyright 2025 Industry Dive. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Pride Month: myGwork's Free WorkPride 2025 Conference Empowers Allies to Step Up
LONDON, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tightening DEI regulations in the US and recent rulings – such as the UK Supreme Court's narrowing of the legal definition of 'sex' – are creating growing uncertainty in workplaces worldwide. These developments not only threaten progress toward workplace equality but also reinforce the urgent need for meaningful allyship at both the individual and corporate level to foster inclusion and belonging for all. Taking place during Pride Month, the sixth annual WorkPride 2025 virtual global conference, hosted by myGwork, (from 16–20 June) themed 'Your Allyship Journey Starts Here,' will address these pressing issues. The five-day event will spotlight the increasing importance of visible, vocal and active allyship in the workplace. Recent research by myGwork, the largest global talent and networking platform connecting diverse talent with inclusive companies, reveals that: 80% of LGBTQ+ Gen Z professionals are hesitant to join companies that have withdrawn support for LGBTQ+ inclusion. 80% are more likely to accept a job offer when they see allies and LGBTQ+ role models in leadership. Generation Z is reshaping the talent landscape, prioritising inclusion, visibility and authenticity. Performative gestures and 'rainbow-washing' are no longer acceptable. Companies that fail to meet these expectations risk losing top talent. Earlier this year, myGwork recorded a 120% increase in US-based job seeker traffic, reflecting a growing demand for safe and inclusive workplaces. This surge sends a clear message: Professionals from LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented groups are actively seeking environments where they can thrive. 'Allyship is no longer a nice-to-have. It's a business imperative,' said Adrien and Pierre Gaubert, Co-Founders of myGwork. 'WorkPride 2025 is the go-to global platform for allies and leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue, sharpen their inclusion strategies, and build truly inclusive workplaces.' WorkPride 2025 is proudly supported by top employers committed to LGBTQ+ inclusion. returns as headline sponsor, joined by day sponsors Taylor Wessing, RS Group, Canada Life, Organon, and the Valencia Gay Games. Robin Panrucker, Head of Talent Development and Inclusion at Taylor Wessing, said:'We're proud to support WorkPride 2025. Fostering inclusion isn't just good ethics – it's good business. Partnering with myGwork helps us continue building a truly diverse workforce.' Jessica Chu, Group Head of D&I at RS Group, added: 'Visible allyship is essential. myGwork continues to help us grow and evolve as an inclusive organization.' David Burten and Edison Chen, Global Co-Leads of Organon Pride Network, stated:'At Organon, we're creating a workplace where everyone belongs. Our ongoing partnership with myGwork enables us to attract talent and strengthen our culture of belonging.' WorkPride 2025 Hosted by myGwork, WorkPride 2025 will feature 200+ global speakers and 40+ sessions across five days, offered in both English and Spanish. The conference is open to all – LGBTQ+ professionals, allies, HR leaders, DEI advocates, and anyone committed to workplace equality. Key themes include: Practical allyship and leadership visibility Intersectionality and challenges facing LGBTQ+ professionals Inclusive language and addressing microaggressions Closing the Rainbow Wage Gap and promoting pay equity Mental health and wellbeing in diverse workplaces Using data to measure and improve DEI outcomes Attendees who join five or more sessions will earn a Certificate in LGBTQ+ Inclusion. WorkPride 2025 is free to attend. Register here now to access the full agenda, build your allyship journey, and help shape the future of workplace inclusion. About myGwork myGwork is the largest talent platform and professional network for LGBTQ+ professionals, graduates, inclusive employers, and anyone who believes in workplace equality. It empowers the LGBTQ+ community by offering individual members a safe space where they can connect with inclusive employers, find jobs, mentors, professional events, e- learning/training, news, and much more. myGwork's co-founders and twin brothers Adrien and Pierre Gaubert have won many accolades in the diversity and inclusion space since setting up the platform. Most recently they have been shortlisted for the 2024 National Diversity Awards as Entrepreneurs of Excellence. They have been honoured as 2023's inspirational role models in the Global Diversity List and featured in the UK's Top 50 inclusion champions in the 2022/23 Diversity Power List. They also won the Attitude Young LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur of the Year Award and were named as one of the Top 100 Global LGBT+ OUTstanding Executives. myGwork has won many awards too. Most recently myGwork scooped the 2023 Award for the D&I Tech Initiative category, and the co-founders, as well as the Bank of London's 2022 Rainbow Honours. It was also shortlisted for the 2023 European Diversity Awards and the 2022 Digital Leaders Impact Awards celebrating UK tech for good. Additionally, the company has been listed in the Top 5 Startups with Pride by Geek Times and won the Diva Magazine Award of Corporate Allies. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at CONTACT: For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, please contact: press@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Cumbria Tourism attends King's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
The Cumbria Tourism team recently attended His Majesty the King's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of its work improving access to employment, skills development and career opportunities within the visitor economy. Rachel Tyson, Cumbria Tourism's Head of Partnerships & Projects attended His Majesty the King's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace along with Partnerships & Project Executive, Molly Hill to recognise their work with young people to improve access to employment, skills development and career opportunities. The invitation reflects Cumbria Tourism's wide-ranging efforts to tackle one of the most urgent challenges facing the sector, recruitment and retention. (L) Molly Hill, partnerships and project executive at Cumbria Tourism, and (R) Rachel Tyson, managing director (Image: Supplied) From the aftermath of Brexit and the pandemic to the evolving needs of the modern workforce, the organisation has been leading initiatives to futureproof the £4.7 billion visitor economy. These include: The Tourism Talent Hub, developed in partnership with local colleges and universities, to connect jobseekers with live vacancies, skills bootcamps, and on-the-job training opportunities. Close collaboration with local schools, retirement-age workers, and job centres to engage people at all life stages, from students to those seeking a second career. Running and promoting Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) to support those re-entering the workforce. Queen Camilla at the Garden Party (Image: Supplied) Working with employers to provide real job placements and interview opportunities at careers fairs and recruitment events across Cumbria. Partnering with charities including Growing Well Cumbria and People First to deliver employer training and provide tailored support for wellbeing, mental health, and inclusive employment. Supporting ex-offenders by providing direct routes into hospitality roles, helping people rebuild their lives through employment. King Charles at the garden party (Image: Supplied) Ms Tyson says: 'It was a real honour to be invited to Buckingham Palace and to represent Cumbria Tourism, our members and partners. "This recognition reflects the collective effort to make the visitor economy more inclusive, resilient and accessible to all. 'Whether it's supporting someone back into work, offering a young person their first step into the industry, or giving someone a second chance through employment, we're committed to making tourism a career option for everyone, not just a short-term job. 'Being recognised at this national level is a reminder of how important this work is, and how much it matters to the communities and businesses we serve.' Supported by Local Skills Improvement Plan, through Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, UK Shared Prosperity Fund in partnership with Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumberland Council, Cumbria Tourism is committed to delivering long-term, practical solutions to tackle the skills gap and create meaningful career opportunities across the tourism and hospitality sector.
