‘They’re anxious about everything’: life for young people seeking work in Dudley and Lewisham
Summary
Young people in Dudley and Lewisham face high challenges finding jobs nearby, with many moving further away or struggling due to poor transport. Dudley has one of the highest rates of young people not in education, employment, or training (Neet) in England, much above the national average. Local authorities and charities are working to understand and support these young people faced with anxiety, lack of skills, and other difficulties.Key Facts
- Dudley has a 21.5% rate of young people not in education, employment, or training (Neet), compared to the national average of 5.6%.
- Young people like Dejanae and Callum find few local jobs and face long travel times to surrounding cities like Birmingham.
- Poor public transport, including bus services and delayed tram extensions, limits young people’s access to work in Dudley.
- Dudley council conducted a door-to-door survey to better identify young people’s status, improving the data on Neet rates to 7.6%, still very high.
- Many young people experience anxiety, lack social skills, and face other vulnerabilities such as neurodiversity and substance use.
- A local charity, Cranstoun, offers youth clubs and support services amid rising drug and alcohol use among youth.
- Dudley has a higher-than-average rate of permanent school exclusions, contributing to difficulties for young people entering work or education.
- The government recently reintroduced a £2 cap on bus fares in England to help young people with travel costs, though some call for more support like free travel under age 22.
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