Over 2,000 young people in Lincoln on unemployment benefits

More than 2,000 young people in Lincoln have claimed unemployment benefits in October, as they are struggling to find jobs in the city.

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show a total of 2,015 young people aged 16 to 24 in the Lincoln area claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance in October.

Commenting on the figures, charity pfeg (Personal Finance Education Group) said the latest figures are a “stark reminder” of youth unemployment in Lincoln.

The charity offers free resources and support to schools in Lincoln and across the country and is campaigning for financial education to be included in the national curriculum and taught in every school in the UK.

It says that financial education lessons can help equip young people to manage their personal finances as they search for work, and help prevent Lincoln’s young unemployed falling into problem debt.

Tracey Bleakley, pfeg chief executive, said: “School-leavers are entering adult life in extremely difficult economic times.

“Too many young people in Lincoln are still struggling to find work – and the truth is that in many cases we are making their problems worse by allowing them to leave school without the skills they need to manage their money well.

“Budgeting what money you have, understanding how benefits work and avoiding falling into unmanageable debt are just some of the financial skills that are absolutely essential when searching for your first job.

“This is especially important with the forthcoming changes to the benefit system and introduction of Universal Credit.

“Financial education makes a real difference to young people’s lives.  We need to give every young person the skills they need to survive and thrive in our economy – and our free resources and support can help teachers in Lincoln make this a reality for their pupils.”