2. Our work in pictures

3. Current youth unemployment 853,000 people aged 16-24 were NEET in the fourth quarter of 2015 (October-December 2015), up 5,000 from the previous quarter and down 110,000 from October-December 2014. Reduction is slowing down and in Q4 of 2015 the figures were slightly higher on the previous quarter. Long term systemic issues have caused youth unemployment. This government has pledged to see full youth employment.

4. Policy Watch FE Reform Higher Education Traineeships & Apprenticeships Trailblazers Levy Education Excellence Careers Education Youth Obligation Work Coaches Living Wage

5. Policy Watch Apprenticeship Levy impact on SME’s Business Breakfast – Write up & PresentationWrite up & Presentation Nick Boles MP recently told the TES News that he does not expect the current system of funding to change for SME’s immediately, SME’s will still be able to get the funding that is available today and new system of employer contribution for non-levy payers will be phased in. Employers who do not have to contribute to the levy will need to pay a cash contribution to the training provider – experts are indicating that this could be between £500 and £10,000 depending on the training need and agreed price (up to a government maximum) YEUK concerns on impact for SME’s once the cash contribution comes into effect. Employer survey to be issued this week.

6. Youth Members & Ambassador Activity Corporate Ambassadors Training Weekend Youth Members in parliament EU Articles & My Future Career Ambassadors writing for Plotr www.yeuk.org.uk

7. Youth Members & Ambassador Activity

10. Community Membership for Organisations Youth Employment UK works with its Community Members to support their work with young people. All of our members receive the Youth Friendly Badge and get information and updates to help develop their recruitment, youth employment programmes and CSR. Youth Voice Creating Opportunity Recognising Talent Fair Employment Developing People National Youth Friendly Badge recognises good practice Our membership benefits also include: Networking & Forums Events & Conferences Training & Development Opportunities

11. www.yeuk.org.uk ljr@yeuk.org.uk