Three leading charities make the case for raising young people's hopes and opportunities post-pandemic

The lockdown has been an incredibly challenging time for us all, but our young people have been amongst the most heavily impacted by the effects of Covid-19. Their education has been disrupted, the jobs market has shrunk and the toll on their mental health is worrying.  

We know that unemployment has a long-lasting scarring effect and that job hunting with no success quickly leads to feelings of hopelessness, low self-esteem and a further deterioration of wellbeing.  

Our young people want a better future, not just for themselves but for our country and we’re particularly pleased that they have been involved in the shaping of the Young Person’s Guarantee – they have stepped up to protect their future and now it’s our turn. 

We must all play our part now and prove to them that there are opportunities out there. Each member of the Consortium – made up of Action for Children, Barnardo’s and The Prince’s Trust – is committed to the Young Person’s Guarantee and has signed up to its five asks. 

By supporting these asks, we are committed to ensuring young people are supported and ready for work, that help is there for those who need it most, we invest in a skilled workforce, we create jobs and opportunities for young people and that we have inclusive workplaces in which no one is left behind. 

We believe the Young Person’s Guarantee will help our younger generation secure employment, training, education or volunteering opportunities. It focuses on the needs of the individual first and is about equality of opportunities and access for all. 

Individually we all have long records of supporting young people into positive destinations. But through collaboration, the Consortium brings together that expertise and our collective reach is greater, meaning we can provide life-changing support to more young people. 

Our experience of working closely with employers across the country means we are perfectly placed to support you as you help the next generation – we can  help you get involved in the Young Person’s Guarantee. If business and the third sector work together, as we have done for so many years, we know that those who have been hardest hit by this pandemic can emerge from this crisis with hope, sustainable employment and healthy lives.   

We are committed to the Young Person’s Guarantee and its five asks. We are doing our part by supporting young people into employment, training or to re-engage with education. We urge you, as employers, to join us and show your support for our young people. 

Find out how your business can get involved at www.younpersonsguarantee.scot  

Paul Carberry, Action for Children Director for Scotland; Martin Crewe, Barnardo’s Scotland, Director for Scotland; Kate Stills, Princes Trust, Director for Scotland