A Birmingham-based charity dedicated to assisting young people has revealed the changing landscape of youth unemployment, highlighting a strong desire among young individuals to work rather than rely on benefits.
Tamzin Reynolds-Rosser, Youth Service Manager for Engage 2 Employ at St Basils, spoke to BirminghamLive about the undeniable “shift” in young people’s attitudes since the Covid-19 pandemic. St Basils, a charity and housing association, offers comprehensive accommodation and support services for homeless, vulnerable, or at-risk youth aged 16 to 25.
“There’s definitely been a shift since Covid,” Tamzin explained. “Young people are gradually becoming more confident and ready to engage, despite the challenges they’ve faced.”
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Since the pandemic, St Basils’ youth advisory board has focused on building confidence and reducing anxiety related to employment among dozens of young people. However, Tamzin emphasizes that despite this progress, significant barriers remain.
Recent statistics reveal that over one million young people aged 16 to 24 across the UK are neither in education, employment, nor training — the highest figure in a decade. Many Birmingham youth have shared stories of applying for hundreds of jobs without success.
Tamzin points out that these obstacles, especially for young people in supportive housing, need urgent removal to improve access to employment opportunities. She notes, “Many young people feel trapped by benefits, but they don’t want to be dependent — they want to work.”
Highlighting initiatives like the St Basils Live and Work scheme in Sandwell and Birmingham, Tamzin explains how it combines apprenticeships with affordable housing—offering rent at just £400 per month. This scheme is open to all young people, regardless of homelessness history, and provides vital support to those facing the toughest challenges.
“No young person wants to be homeless or defined by it,” she said. “They need to be supported like family and given equal opportunities to succeed.”
Tamzin also addresses the stigma young people face due to their circumstances or where they live, which can unfairly hinder their job prospects. She stresses, “Every young person has a dream job and aspirations. The stigma they face shouldn’t hold them back.”
Calling on employers, Tamzin urges investment in youth employment programs. “Employers who invest in young people gain fresh ideas and creativity. We must think differently and commit to supporting our city’s youngest generation.”
She concluded with a powerful message: “Birmingham is the youngest city — yet we’re not investing enough in our young people, especially those who’ve experienced disadvantage, like loss, care system involvement, or family breakdown. These young people deserve the biggest boost we can offer.”