Dudley youth unemployment rate hits 21.5%

In May, Dudley reported a concerning figure of 21.5% for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), including those whose status is 'not known'. This rate is substantially higher than the national average of 5.6%. The situation in Dudley is exacerbated by a low job density of 0.60, meaning there are fewer available jobs locally than working-age individuals seeking employment. In contrast, London has a job density of 1.06.

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The West Midlands region has experienced a significant reduction in youth service expenditure, with a fall of approximately 88% in real terms between 2011 and 2022. This has led to the lowest per capita spend for five-to-17-year-olds in England, at £25.74, compared to £50 per head in outer London. Dudley council staff undertook an extensive door-knocking initiative to better understand the circumstances of their young residents. This effort identified vulnerabilities and social skill deficits among young people and their parents, contributing to difficulties in finding work or pursuing further education. Concerns have also been raised about increasing drug and alcohol use among young people, linked to a lack of affordable after-school activities and a feeling of having no future.

Comparison with London Boroughs

While Dudley faces significant challenges, Lewisham in south London has the highest NEET and 'not known' rate among London boroughs at 6.5%. Despite this being lower than Dudley's figure, it represents a concentration of youth unemployment within the capital. Young people in London benefit from a more extensive public transport network, which allows access to jobs across a wider area. However, the London job market is described as highly competitive, with many graduates struggling to find positions and some companies expecting unpaid work. Experts suggest that while London's situation is challenging, the outlook is generally more difficult in areas outside the capital.

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“Lots of our young people are anxious about absolutely everything. If you try to start a conversation, it’s lots of shuffling in seats – that lack of social skill seems to be worse than I’ve ever seen it.”

Viv Webb, employment and skills manager at Dudley careers service

The Prime Minister's recent reintroduction of a £2 cap on bus fares has been seen as a positive step for young people reliant on public transport. However, calls have been made for more targeted policies, such as permanent free travel for those under 22. The delay in a planned tram extension in Dudley further compounds transport difficulties for residents seeking employment in nearby cities like Birmingham.