Almost half of young people in Birmingham fear that they will have fewer job opportunities than older generations and two-thirds are anxious about their future a leading charity’s survey has revealed.

The Prince’s Trust Macquarie Youth Index, which interviews 2,194 people aged 19 t0 25, also showed more than a third feel they have no control over their lives and a troubling 16 per cent believe they will amount to nothing.

It is a particular issue for Birmingham as a young city - almost half of Brummies are under 30.

The Prince’s Trust director for Central England Michele Farmer said: “This report highlights a disappointing deterioration in young people’s confidence in themselves and in their future.

Digbeth Cold Store

"The cliff edge decline in young people not feeling in control of their lives echoes conversations we have every day with young people who speak of their fears about finding work, taking short term jobs over longer term careers and the knock on effect of heightened uncertainty in the economy.

“This has to be our moment to redouble what we do as a Trust and as a society. It is our fundamental belief that every young person should have the chance to succeed and when they do our country will also succeed. The Trust will be opening a brand new centre in the former Cold Store building in Digbeth in March 2018 and young people are encouraged to drop in and find out what help is on offer.”

The charity, which helps disadvantaged young people gain work experience, training and find jobs also has recently launched an online service for those who cannot easily reach a centre.

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The survey revealed:

  • 52% believe a lack of self-confidence holds them back
  • 38% found getting work experience is one of their biggest challenges
  • 30% struggle to keep themselves motivated after work setbacks
  • 37% don’t feel in control of their lives
  • 49% believe the economy will provide fewer jobs for their generation
  • 67% feel anxious about their future prospects.

Macquarie Group chief executive David Fass said: “It is concerning to find that so many young people feel out of control and trapped in a cycle of unrewarding jobs. At Macquarie, we are committed to investing in young people and are proud to support The Prince’s Trust, which works across the UK to ensure that each and every young person has the opportunity and support to achieve his or her maximum potential.”