The pandemic has given rise to high levels of unemployment not seen in the UK for around 5 years. London was predicted to have almost ten percent of the city’s population jobless by the end of 2020. Unemployment rates are improving, but some analysts believe things may get worse towards the end of 2021.
The United Kingdom has been trying to recover from the 2008 recession, and while things peaked in 2012, the work situation has been steadily improving over the years since then. However, last year the world was hit by the pandemic caused by Covid, and all manner of industries were hit.
As the country tries to recover, how can the job situation improve? Is there a magic wand, or will it take years to try and get back to normal again?
How are the unemployment rates in the UK now?
The biggest age group suffering from unemployment now is the 16-24-year-old range. The younger age groups have consistently suffered from fewer job opportunities, and in 2021 this has not changed.
The first 3 months of this year saw over 13 percent of this particular age group without work. In 2011, this age group suffered from over 20% unemployment, and while this year is better, it is still incredibly poor.
Experts are suggesting that as 2021 continues, there may be more liquidations, and thus more job cuts. However, there may be some hope too.
Southport’s iconic landmark, the Grand Casino is set to be restored and refurbished by The Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group. It is this type of optimism and venture that is hoped will help the UK back on to its feet. This particular business venture is promising to establish 100 new jobs in the area.
What can be done to revitalise areas and grow employment?
One area that has suffered badly through 2020 and this year also, is the hospitality sector. In fact, any form of entertainment from cinemas, casino venues, public houses, nightclubs, and even restaurants have suffered.
Online casinos grew massively throughout last year as individuals looked for entertainment and fun ways to spend their time at home. The huge user base shows that there is a healthy market waiting to be tapped into. Many areas in the UK would benefit from more entertainment venues. Casinos are one area that as long as they are licensed and run responsibly could create a number of jobs.
The UK already enjoys relaxed laws as far as gambling is concerned, and gaming establishments that include modern virtual games, as well as slots, and poker, could provide some stimulus in the right towns or cities.
Change the licensing hours
Another way to revitalise the hospitality trade might be to extend the opening hours where suitable. Many people are now working from home as their companies switched to remote work last year. Freelancers and remote workers work different hours for other people, and there could be room for shops, bars, and some restaurants to have extra hours. This would also mean needing extra employees.
Investment is needed
While the revitalisation of The Grand Casino is to be lauded, more is needed. It has been reported that Amazon will create more than 10,000 jobs by the end of the year. While this gives some hope, the culture fostered by zero-hour companies is not what is necessarily needed.
Investment in business ventures that can create something worthwhile for the area they are built-in, along with jobs is needed. Southport is leading the way in some regard with the promised regeneration of the former Southport Theatre and Convention Centre.
This project will lead to nearly 300 jobs and generate income for the town with an estimated 60,000 overnight stays for visitors to conferences and events. It is a project such as this that can not only create jobs but also transform an area for locals and tourists alike.
Going green might save all the lost jobs
Green New Deal UK has conducted a study and presented its findings on a possible government stimulus programme. The project would involve digital and green infrastructure and would aim to recreate every job that was lost to Covid.
Although the programme would take massive investment, around £70 billion, and it would take some time to come to fruition, it is only around a third of what the government has already spent on the response to the pandemic.
The green stimulus plan promises to create over 1 million jobs in the next two years, which is the same amount that is expected to be permanently lost as the pandemic continues to hit. Over the next decade, there would be another 1.5 million jobs created to counteract the effects of the virus on business.
It may not be a coincidence that across the pond, Joe Biden has also talked publicly about his plan to create jobs through building an environmentally friendly infrastructure. This particular plan would involve high-speed broadband to every area of the states, and clean drinking water for all.
Who is still hiring?
Not surprisingly, Amazon is constantly on the search for new employees as orders grow. Indeed, delivery drivers are in demand across the country. As the fear of the virus grew, and lockdowns came into place, people started to order more online. This has led to a need for more and more drivers.
Supermarkets were hiring by the bucketload last year as Morrisons wanted staff for online fulfillment, and Lidl and Aldi both expanded operations. Perhaps it isn’t shocking, but PPE manufacturers were seeking employees also.
Now, the biggest shortages are in coding, tech, engineering, and software development. Although, there are reports that Mcdonald’s is desperate for employees and are offering cash incentives just to attend an interview, at least in Florida anyway.
Summary
There are still employment opportunities in the UK, and there are some areas that have big skills shortages. However, for certain groups such as school leavers up to their mid-twenties, things are decidedly tough.
Some investment is needed, and if more can be put into the regeneration of disused buildings and turn them into venues such as cinemas, galleries, and even casinos, then jobs will be created, and areas livened up.
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