Younger people were one of the groups hardest hit by the downturn in the jobs markets, with a big increase in unemployment among the under-25s. While job opportunities are increasing, total employment in this group is not yet on the rise. Many are still going abroad to work. A recent Higher Education Authority (HEA) survey shows that one in four graduates who found employment last year were working overseas, compared to one in ten in 2008.
Emigration is not always a bad outcome for the individual. As the HEA said, many go by choice, rather than necessity. History shows that as job opportunities increase, many will choose will return. Some of those who have returned for Christmas will, no doubt, be considering whether to make the move permanently home in the next few years.
It is in our interest to make Ireland as attractive a place as possible for those thinking of returning. or for those considering whether they want to – or have – to leave. In some southern European countries, youth unemployment is largescale and entrenched and younger people struggle to get permanent employment. This is hugely to the disadvantage of the countries concerned, socially and economically.
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Some of the cutbacks during the crisis years have particularly disadvantaged younger people. In some areas recruitment has slowed or stopped, in others newer employees are hired on poorer conditions than their established counterparts. In some professions – for example medicine – it seems we are paying a lot to educate young doctors, but not offering many of them employment opportunities here.
In other areas, too, younger people are disadvantaged. The lack of supply of new houses is pushing prices up rapidly and high rental costs are a major issue. Those who bought property at boom time prices are stuck in negative equity.
There are clear policy areas here for the government to tackle, but also a responsibility on employers, trade unions and wider society. Younger age groups have been hit hard by the economic collapse and now deserve a bit of positive discrimination.