Youth unemployment in London, UK is at a very high level, not seen in last 25 years. Here are some stats: 1 in 4 youth (25 percent) aged between 16 to 24 is unemployed (total 120,000 people), nearly triple the average London unemployment rate of 8.9 per cent. Together with Yorkshire, London at 25 per cent, has the worst youth unemployment rate in the UK, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics. There is no doubt that these youth are bearing the brunt of the economic crisis unleashed by massive de-leveraging in the financial world since year 2008. It has been 5 years of reducing economic activity, and the signs of economic growth are not yet visible. The unemployment in London is highest among London’s black and Asian youth, and problem is worst in the Olympic boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Newham, which have among the highest number of young people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in London.

Work giving meaning, motivation and momentum to a person’s life, and it is very essential for the UK to find work for its youth. While the full time jobs are far and few, if you are a young person in London, please consider doing some voluntary work in any industry of your choice. You could also have your travel expenses and lunch paid for if the organization is large or well-funded. Such part-time volunatary work will give you self-esteem, got you out of the house, connect with other people socially, improve your CV, often give you a couple of good references, and update your professional skills, making you ready for full time paid work when the opportunties arise.