Practical solutions to reduce youth inequality

A new report shows that there are practical solutions to addressing the inequality gap for disadvantaged youth, the Green Party said today.

The report by the New Zealand Institute, called More Ladders, Fewer Snakes, says that by increasing access to e-learning and improving school-to-work transition we can reduce youth unemployment and the resulting social issues.

“Disadvantaged youth deserve a fair go when it comes to education and employment,” Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei said.

“This report provides practical solutions to help reduce the gap for those youth who start off with nothing.
“Engaging and energising youth to stay in education and giving them a helping hand, if they want to move into work, will ensure better outcomes for all New Zealand.”

The report says that the cost of youth problems is over $900 million annually to New Zealand while the cost to implement the recommendations of the report is only $200 million.

“Other OECD countries spend more on addressing the causes of youth inequality. New Zealand needs to follow their lead,” Mrs Turei said.

“Re-introducing a youth wage will just make the gap worse and will not provide the support and motivation our youth need to be tomorrow’s parents, workers, citizens and leaders.”