Three things your business can do to keep Northern Ireland’s young people

During employ3 – a big conversation about youth unemployment, over 30 young people explained directly to Chief Executives and HR Directors what has worked for them as well as highlighting the barriers they faced in their quest for a job.

The conversation took place at Belfast Harbour, was supported by the CBI, George Best Belfast City Airport and The Irish News.

With almost a quarter (22.3%) of young people (aged 18 – 24 years old) registering as unemployed, Employment and Learning Minister Dr Farry said: "Employers have a key role to play in helping to reduce the level of youth unemployment. I would ask for your continued help and support as we work together to improve the opportunities for our young people. This joined up approach is not only beneficial for the individual, economically and socially, but benefits our society by helping to rebuild and rebalance our economy."

Roy Adair, Chair of Business in the Community, the responsible business organisation says: “The immediate impacts for young people hit hard and are extremely negative – loss of self-esteem and self-worth, and lack of belief in their ability to ‘make it’ in the world. This impact has a rippling effect. Behind every young person is a family and a community and these also suffer as a consequence of the unemployment nightmare.

“The reality for business is two-fold. If we don’t do something about this crisis we face a lost generation of young people without the skills needed to succeed in the workplace, but we also pay the financial penalty. It is estimated that the cost to our economy of youth unemployment could reach £1.6 billion by 2016.

To pledge your support, visit www.bitcni.org.uk.