James Wild MP has launched a new survey to gather feedback from young people in North West Norfolk on the challenges they face finding work, accessing training, and getting on in life.
With youth unemployment at 16.1% under the current government, and now above the EU average, many young people are doing the right thing by studying, training, or applying for jobs, but still face a tough labour market and limited return for their efforts. James wants to hear directly from them about their experiences so their views can help shape his work on the issues affecting them most.
The survey focuses on the Conservative Party’s New Deal for Young People, which is a three-point plan to improve opportunities and make work pay for young people starting out. The policy includes:
- Scrapping the extra 3 per cent above inflation that young people pay on Plan 2 student loans issued from 2012-23.
- Creating 100,000 fully funded apprenticeships each year for 18 to 21 year olds through a new Apprenticeship Guarantee, with employers receiving a £5,000 Business Rebate for Investment in Training and Skills for every young person they take on.
- Introducing a £5,000 First Job Bonus - a £5,000 tax cut when a young person starts earning, including on an apprenticeship.
The survey asks young people about the barriers they face as they look for work, training, and opportunity, as well as the support that would make the biggest difference.
The feedback will directly inform James’s work locally and in Parliament, helping him make the case for policies that back young people, reward hard work, and improve opportunities in North West Norfolk.
Commenting on the launch, James Wild MP said:
“Too many young people in North West Norfolk are working hard to build a future for themselves, but are finding it harder to get the opportunities they need.
“I want to hear directly from young people about the challenges they are facing and the support that would help them get on. The New Deal for Young People sets out practical steps to improve opportunities by cutting student loan interest, expanding apprenticeships, backing employers to take on young people, and introducing a £5,000 First Job Bonus to help young people build savings and get ahead.
“The feedback from this survey will be important in informing my work locally and in Parliament, and I invite young people across North West Norfolk to take part.”
You can complete the survey online here: James Wild MP - New Deal for Young People Survey | James Wild
