Govt 'should encourage firms with recruitment of young people'Getting young adults into employment may achieved by having political leaders involved in tackling the issue as well as the introduction of graduate schemes and apprenticeships, it has been suggested.

Kevin Potts, chief executive of online recruitment portal Jobsite.co.uk, believes the government needs to encourage businesses to invest in young staff in order to help companies grow and see bigger returns on their spending on new talent.

He said: "There should also be more options for those who want to continue education, but are instead looking to start work because they can’t afford to go to university."

Mr Potts stressed that support for young candidates entering the job market is "crucial" as searching for employment can be a demoralising task when applicants do not succeed and may lead to a cycle of long-term joblessness.

His words follow the Recruitment and Employment Confederation and KPMG’s Report on Jobs for June, which revealed that the number of permanent jobs has increased, albeit at a slower rate than in previous months.

By Colette Paxton