13.1% of young people in Fenland are unemployed or not in education, survey finds

A stark warning has been raised about a “lost generation” of young people who are unemployed.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) issued the warning following the publication of its latest report, Creating Job Opportunities for Gen Z.

The report reveals that nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds across the UK are currently not in education, employment, or training. In the past year, this has increased by 110,000.

In Fenland, 13.1% of young people are not in education or employment.

This growing crisis has prompted the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce to call on local businesses and education providers to act now.

The authority is offering two tangible solutions through two initiatives, the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer.

Cambridgeshire is one of just eight regions in the UK selected to deliver the Youth Guarantee, a programme led by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA).

The initiative is designed to create new pathways into employment and training for young people, working closely with local businesses and education providers to offer tailored support and early intervention.

Alongside this, the LSIP, a government-funded, Chamber-led initiative, is aligning education with local employer needs. The Chamber is actively working to ensure that people across the region have access to meaningful skills development opportunities and jobs.

Charlotte Horobin, CEO of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, and member of the youth guarantee programme board, said: “We know from our LSIP that too many young people in our region are disconnected from education and employment.

“These new figures from the BCC are alarming — but we have the tools to make a difference. By connecting businesses with local training providers, we can build confidence, open doors, and give young people the skills they need to thrive.”

Nick Frank, LSIP project manager at the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, said: “The latest BCC report highlights a worrying trend, with too many young people disconnected from education and work.

“Having spent time as a teacher, I know how vital it is to provide real opportunities.

“Through the LSIP, we’re bringing together local employers, education providers, and stakeholders to ensure young people have access to pathways like internships, T-levels, and apprenticeships that equip them with the skills they need to succeed.”

The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is calling on local employers to get involved. Businesses can register for the upcoming Labour Market Insights Webinar by visiting the Chamber’s event page online.