Covid-19’s devastation on London’s job market has been highlighted in the latest figures from the Mayor of London’s office.

A report from the Greater London Authority (GLA) Economics unit forecast economic output in the capital will fall by £44 billion and anticipate the largest fall in employment in over 20 years, with an additional loss of 350,000 jobs expected in 2021. 

Areas identified as being at the highest risk include hospitality, retail, leisure and construction. This will disproportionately affect young people as they make up a large proportion of the work force in these sectors.

Adapting quickly to young people’s needs moving all the sessions online, Street League developed their ‘Head Body Future programme’ overnight and provided young people across the capital with the technical support they needed to access the sessions.

Dougie Stevenson, Joint Managing Director of Street League, said: “Every week is critical.  If you don’t work within the first six months of leaving school, it becomes much less likely that you will work in the next two years.”

In London, Street League’s team responded by developing additional opportunities for young people to gain qualifications in maths, English, employability and sport. They have also worked in partnership with employers, training providers and fellow charities to minimise the impact on young people. 

Michelle Ginn is the Employer Engagement Coordinator for Street League in London. She said:
"Across London our young people have been working hard upskilling themselves in areas such as construction, sports coaching and hair and beauty. This personal development is vital for young people to help them compete in the current job market."

Partnerships with employers are vital to continue supporting young people into jobs.

Ginn said: "Over the last few months, we have built some great partnerships with companies across a range of sectors, including Fit for Sport, Breyer Foundation, Napoli Gang and National Emergencies Trust. Right now, our partners are more important than ever to help support our young people through this challenging time! Any companies reading this who could support in any way would be hugely appreciated!”

Despite the bleak outlook, since the first lockdown was announced in March 2020, Street League in London has supported 180 people into training, education and employment.

Chiehanna, 18, is one of the young people who worked with Street League to gain her qualifications. Her dream is to become a personal trainer.

Since joining Street League in March 2020, Chiehanna gained her level 2 qualification as a gym instructor and is continuing at the academy to complete her functional skills in maths and English. This will mean she is eligible to start an apprenticeship, another step closer to reaching her goal. She’s also completed her Level 1 qualification in employability skills.

Chiehanna said: “Street League has helped me to build up my confidence. I can now take my skills into my everyday life to develop my CV by myself. I can even help my friends and family to develop their CV.”

She said staff at Street League helped her with her wellbeing as well as helping her to reach her goals.

“You’ll make sure we do the work and that we’re supported through anything whether it be work related, or what we’re going through that day emotionally.”

Since March 23^rd 2020, Street League has successfully supported more than 750 young people into training, education and employment opportunities. Our academies have started again across England and Scotland.

If you are interested in exploring a partnership with Street League or would like to refer a young person to one of our programmes please get in touch via the link below.