The Isle of Wight has just 89 suitable job vacancies for every 1,000 people aged 18 to 24, according to new research from the Institute for Public Policy Research.
The figure comes from the IPPR’s local youth opportunity index, part of a report the think tank says reveals a sixfold gap in job vacancies for young people between the best and worst-served parts of Britain.
The Island’s population of 18 to 24-year-olds stands at 7,647, the IPPR’s data shows.
The think tank links the shortage of suitable local vacancies to the wider NEET crisis, the term used for young people not in education, employment or training.
Quigley points to skills group work
Richard Quigley, the Labour MP for Isle of Wight West, said the findings would come as no surprise to anyone working in local education or employment. He told OnTheWight,
“While the IPPR’s findings are concerning, I don’t think anyone involved in education or employment of school leavers will be surprised.
“That is why helping more young people into work via work experience is something my office has been focused on since 2024.
“Through our Skills Group, we’ve been bringing employers and educators together to help bridge the gap for young people who are not in education, employment, or training.
“The response has been great, but it is the start of providing more opportunities and jobs not the end.”
Richard pointed to the Government’s Youth Jobs Grant as a further measure designed to encourage employers to take on young people. He added,
“We know there’s no silver bullet, but we have to make a start somewhere.
“Alongside these local efforts, the Government has introduced incentives such as the Youth Jobs Grant to encourage employers to take on more young people, helping them gain valuable experience, build their confidence and get a foot on the career ladder.”
Robertson blames Solent crossing costs and National Insurance rise
Joe Robertson, the Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East, described the employment situation for young Islanders as “very worrying”. He told OnTheWight,
“We need young people to feel that they have a future on the Island.”
Joe named the cost of crossing the Solent as one local factor holding back job creation. He said,
“There are many local factors at play such as the cost of crossing the Solent, which deters businesses from investing in Island jobs – but the Government must bear some responsibility too.
“They have increased the cost of employment, particularly employing young people, through National Insurance changes which has led to 100,000 fewer young people employed across the country compared to two years ago.”
He said the new Chancellor had a chance to address the issue in next month’s Budget. He said,
“The new Chancellor has an opportunity to put things right in his Budget next month.
“We also need to see job centre and welfare reforms to help people into work, but the jobs need to be there in the first place.”
