The closure of one of the longest-established youth and community work degree courses as a result of falling student numbers has raised fears that cuts to council youth work jobs and services in recent years is making the career less attractive.
Last month, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) announced it will no longer accept new entrants for its youth and community work degree, saying a slump in job prospects for youth workers due to the effects of austerity in public sector spending was largely behind the decision.
Latest data from local authority section 251 returns shows council spending on youth services fell from £815m in 2012/13 to £500m in 2015/16. Shrinking budgets have seen local authorities cut their own services and the amount contracted to voluntary sector providers.
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