Is it a realistic plan? Labour has a new proposal to offer a job to every young person out of work — and cut their benefits if they refuse. But how much difference will it make?
Labour ‘to abolish youth unemployment’
Political promise: Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves (above) states repeatedly that she cares about young people because she believes every child should have the opportunity to flourish, unhindered by their background. Comprehension quiz
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Define the term “generational conflict” as it is used in the text.
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Which word is the closest synonym for “evaporated” in the context of the jobs market?
A: Multiplied
B: Vanished
C: Increased
D: Appeared
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According to the article, what is a “Neet”?
A: A young person who is not interested in working or studying.
B: A young person who has a long-term illness and cannot work.
C: A young person aged 16 to 24 who is not in education, employment, or training.
D: A new type of apprentice who is in training.
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The article states that long-term youth unemployment is correlated with which two of the following problems for society as a whole?
A: Higher rates of crime.
B: More people going to university.
C: Increased welfare costs.
D: A rise in the number of “ghost jobs”.
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Which of the following is a detail about the Labour Party’s new plan that has drawn criticism?
A: The government is only offering low-paid jobs.
B: It does not include a plan for a library in every primary school.
C: People who refuse the job offer without a “reasonable excuse” will lose their benefits.
D: It only applies to young people who have been unemployed for less than six months.
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The article suggests that young people in the UK are feeling “frustration and disillusionment.” In your opinion, which of the issues mentioned in the article (e.g., job market, debt, long-term illness, benefits condition) do you think is the most significant cause of this and why?
Answers
Tap to reveal
1: A difference or opposition in interests or views between older and younger people, 2: B, 3: C, 4: A and C, 5: C, 6: Your view!
1: A difference or opposition in interests or views between older and younger people, 2: B, 3: C, 4: A and C, 5: C, 6: Your view!
Glossary
Generational conflict - The tension and disagreement between age groups, arising from clashes in values, beliefs, communication styles, and life experiences.
Chancellor of the Exchequer - The chancellor of the Exchequer, often just called the chancellor, is the UK government's chief finance minister. They are in charge of taxation and government spending and borrowing.
Labour Party conference - The annual conference of the UK's ruling Labour party.
Disillusionment - A feeling of disappointment after finding out something is not as good as you thought.
Demographic - The qualities (e.g. age, sex, income) of a specific group of people or population.
Welfare - Welfare can take a variety of forms, such as monetary payments, subsidies and vouchers, or housing assistance.
Bureaucrat - An administrative official who works for the government.
Proviso - A condition or qualification attached to an agreement or statement.
Chronic illness - A long-term health condition that typically lasts at least a year.