Rosi Prescott, Central YMCA CEO, said: “It’s a distressing, but it’s a true fact that today’s youngsters are facing the worst economic prospects for several generations.
"A high degree of harm is caused to those people who fail to succeed within the current education system – something which is much more likely to be an issue for those from lower income families – aggravating the impact of financial inequality on future employment opportunities.”
Rosi said that there is a need to find solutions for those young people who fail to thrive within the education system.
“Mainstream education simply isn’t right for everybody,” she explained. “Other types of educational support, vocational learning and apprenticeships can do a lot to alleviate these issues – helping ease the transition between childhood and adulthood.”
The report also revealed that the two biggest causes of harm to young people in Britain today are failing to thrive within the mainstream education system and the lack of employment opportunities.
Central YMCA headed up a focus group this month with the Sub-Committee on Education, Skills and the Economy.
The committee revealed that young people thought schools should discuss wider options, such as apprenticeships, more frequently with students.