Prospects tough for next generation

WITH rising unemployment rates, falling house prices and no sign of the recession ending, the economic picture for Britain looks pretty gloomy.

Families are even tightening their belts for the festive season.

We’ve all felt the effects of the credit crunch in some way.

With youth unemployment at an all time high, how do teenagers feel about the recession and its aftermath?

Reporter DAWN MARSDEN spoke to Year 13 students at Oldham Sixth-Form College to see what the future holds for our young people.

Hashym Saleem (17) is hoping to study pharmacy at Bradford University.

He said: “I have noticed it is much harder to get a part-time job. All students look for work at this time of the year but it is impossible to find anything.

“I hope that after my three years at uni the situation will be better.

“I think because I am doing a professional degree I will find it easier to get a job when I graduate.”

Abdur Rahim (17) hopes to go to Manchester University to study law.

He said: “It is almost impossible to get a job. I have been looking for a long time and tried everywhere but I have had no luck.

“I have given my CV to lots of companies but had no response. My parents have been trying to save money on bills and reducing their spending. I am worried about the future as finding work is just as hard even with a degree.”

Alistair Docherty (17) has ambitions to read marine geology at Bangor University.

He said: “I haven’t really noticed any difference since the recession took hold apart from rising fuel prices. I’m not worried about finding a job in future because my chosen career is so specific that I think I will be able to find a job.”

Melissa Nixon (18) wants to study criminology and forensic science at the University of Central Lancashire.

She said: “My mum is a single parent so it is worrying for us because if she loses her job there is no second income to fall back on. I had a job at a pub but they cut back on staff so I don’t work there any more.

“I am thinking about moving to America if I struggle to get work after graduating as there is more potential for forensic scientists over there.”

James Hardy (18) will have a gap year before studying sports science at Loughborough University.

He said: “My parents are spending less but I haven’t really noticed any change. I have been looking for work for ages but there is absolutely nothing out there. I don’t think the job I want to go into is that competitive so I’m not too worried about the future.”

Katie Priestley (18) hopes to become a teacher after studying at Leeds Metropolitan University.

She said: “Teaching has become a really popular option for people who have been made redundant so it is really competitive now. Even getting on to the course will be hard. I’m trying not to worry too much but at the back of my mind I am aware that it will be much tougher than it would have been five years ago.”

Bhavik Chothani (17) wants to study architecture at Manchester University.

He said: “All my friends are looking for work and I have applied everywhere for a job. My mum doesn’t have a mortgage so we have not suffered too much during the recession. I am hoping the recession is over when I graduate so I can find work easily.”

Laxmi Vekria (17) hopes to go to Manchester University to study economics and criminology.

She said: “I have not struggled to find work because I did lots of voluntary work at the place where I am now employed. My parents have cut back but they have always been good savers so they are not struggling too much. I think my chosen degree will give me a good chance of getting a good job when I graduate.”