Some Recent Trends in Youth Unemployment in Scotland

This paper describes trends in youth unemployment since 1977 .especially in its patterning and distribution, and considers their implications for education.The rise in youth unemployment led to a changed pattern of instability in the youth labour market: by 1982 there were fewer movements either in or out of regular jobs , but there was much more movement in and out of schemes.Those out of work faced the prospect of longer periods of joblessness .and those in work have found it increasingly difficult to change jobs.The association between qualifications and employment remained strong : although unemployment rose among qualified school leavers.they retained their relative advantage over the unqualified.The paper concludes by discussing the likely consequences of the Youth Training Scheme.