Unemployment rates are at their lowest they’ve been since 1975 at 4.3%. This, however, is not reflected in the unemployment figures of 18-25 year olds which currently stands at 11.8%#.
There are no specific figures that cover those under 18 years of age and it should not be overlooked that the hunt for employment starts before young people leave school. Those not seeking further education will be making applications for work experience and apprenticeships; these could be 14 year old children and that raises new issues.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the soon to be revised UK Data Protection Act, processing of information for people under the age of 16 brings added considerations for an employer considering a young applicant.
Employing young people is going to require additional measures from organisations. Questions that will need consideration include:
- Could you receive applications for work experience or apprenticeships from young people under the age of 16?
- What data do you collect and is it all necessary for your selection processes?
- Who handles this data and who could gain access to it?
- Do you have appropriate safeguarding solutions in place including properly checked staff?
- Are supervisors and staff that may work with a young person or vulnerable adult adequately trained?
These questions may seem daunting – a serious concern is that employers may see recruiting young people as too risky or not worth the hassle. This needs to be balanced with the need for new, fresh perspectives required in any business. ‘Millennials’ have come under considerable criticism in recent times, but their unique, digital view of the world will be needed to help organisations to adapt to a rapidly changing market place. However, waiting for them to become adults is a flawed approach!
That all said, the GDPR will have an effect on both employer and potential employee. Scrutiny of an organisations data protection measures should be both expected and embraced to ensure that the best employers get the best employees.
To help explain this situation further, Youth Employment UK and Gydeline teamed up to host a Webinar on 20 November 2017 to help you understand the implications of this new regulation and explain what you should be doing before the May 2018, when it comes into force. It is now available here.
“The biggest problem is, the adults have one of the most effective recruitment strategies in the world; Give them enough time, and they’ll turn any kid into one of them.” – Brandon Sanderson, Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener’s Bones
# Statistical Sources: Trading Economics
