Why businesses should recruit young people
This evidence review was carried out by Hasluck Employment Research on behalf of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills. The aim of the review was to collate and assess evidence regarding the recruitment of young people in the labour market and highlight the short and long-term business benefits to recruiting young people.
Why businesses should recruit young people (PDF, 248 Kb)
Published February 2012
There is no denying that some employers have very negative views about hiring young people, questioning their preparedness for work, their basic skills and their attitudes. One problem with this is that they tend to regard all young people as the same – even when this is not the case – and, consequently, are reluctant to recruit anyone from this age group. Clearly where there is a basis for such negative perceptions then remedial action is required by schools and colleges and by young people themselves. Nonetheless, not all employers hold such views and young people are not all the same. Often experience of employing young people will change employers’ negative views into a more positive perspective.
