SFA survey reveals falling number of young people in work

Only a quarter of people aged under 25 are working in Ireland, down from half before the recession.

The figures released by the Small Firms Association also reveal that for every 10 jobs for young people that existed in early 2008, six have now disappeared.

The association is urging the Government not to impose any further tax hikes on employers or employees this year, as one of a range of active labour policies they are suggesting to tackle youth unemployment.

Chairman AJ Noonan said the apprenticeship programme also needs further reform, with a more structured approach to the transition to the workplace.