The latest figures from the ONS on unemployment under covid makes for some interesting reading. The biggest hits have been to London and the young, as the worst damage was to industries like catering, bars, cafes and entertainment; just where such people work and what London specialises in.
The loss for the young, many of who start working in these industries as the first step in their careers will be immense. There is an especially worrying group who lost years when they graduated after the credit crunch and having just got some momentum in their careers, have seen that grind to a halt.
The young is the same group that has been hit by the collapsing apprenticeship system and is now going through the education system with remote learning, fewer exams and less social interaction. All this means the young are going to be suffering from the side effects of covid for decades.
https://jonty.substack.com/
Ageism takes many forms and journalists highlighting this is one.
The loss for all is significant not just the young. The World does not pull up at a bus stop for the young person to get on it, they join it at the time they do whilst the bus is still moving.
One wonders if with the significant cuts in army, navy and airforce there will be less time for recruits to do apprenticeships for future streetlife? Is there any place for apprenticeships in the redesigned armed services? I hope so.