Summer statement: Chancellor ‘missed opportunity’ to tackle child poverty and early years crisis as employment scheme praised

8 July 2020 4 mins read Fiona Simpson Coronavirus Children's Services Early Years Education Youth Work Social Care

The government “missed an opportunity” to tackle child poverty and a financial crisis facing the early years sector in its summer statement, campaigners have said.

The Chancellor has been criticised for ignoring increasing levels of poverty in his summer statement. Picture: Adobe Stock

Announcing his statement in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Rishi Sunak, promised a multi-billion pound package to tackle youth unemployment following the coronavirus crisis.

The Chancellor announced a £2bn “Kickstarter” jobs scheme which will see the government cover the wages of 16- to 24-year-old new employees for six months.

Sunak also pledged £2,000 per person paid to every company who hires a young apprentice until January 2021 alongside a multi-million package for traineeships, training academies and careers advisors.

Youth work organisations have welcomed the investment but called on the government to ensure disadvantaged young people benefit from the schemes.

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