The Sun on Sunday gives hope to youngsters by teaming up with THREE back-to-work schemes

While the hospitality and catering sector saw the biggest increase in vacancies, 16 of 28 industries measured posted a rise.

Jo Ferreday, managing director of hospitality and events company Sheer Edge, says: “The economy is starting to open up and many hospitality businesses are beginning to hire staff so they can hit the ground running.”

Prince’s Trust chief executive Jonathan Townsend says: “We know young people have been disproportionately affected and there is a long road ahead.”

We need our young people to play an active role in the recovery of our economy.

Jonathan Townsend

Catch22’s Victoria Head adds: “Young people are being hit hardest as the industries they tend to work in suffer most, such as hospitality and events. Prior to the pandemic young people were already undervalued and often more likely to be on volatile, zero-hours contracts.”

So if you are one of the young unemployed — or you know someone who is — follow our guides here on how you can get in touch with those three employment schemes.

Together, we will get Britain’s youth back working again.

‘SUN SUPPORT IS FANTASTIC’

AFTER graduating, Grant Robertson knew he was entering the jobs market at a tough time. The 23-year-old, who lives outside Glasgow, hoped to use his degree to secure a job in TV production or acting. But instead he had to apply for Universal Credit and was hit by crippling anxiety.

Grant says: “I thought I’d come out of university and go into work. But the pandemic hit and this wall came down. There were no jobs at all. My mental health declined and it was hard to stay motivated. I put on weight and it knocked my confidence.”

Grant has decided to return to full-time education and will study for a Masters at Stirling University.

He says: “It’s not the path I wanted to go down but I hope it will be a stepping stone towards work and a brighter future.

“It’s fantastic The Sun on Sunday is providing this support. So many young people need help.”

Tiah-Paige Burrell has spent the past year applying for job after job.

She says: “A lot of people have been selected above me for jobs because of my lack of experience.

“On other occasions I’ve been told I am over-qualified. That’s one of the big problems. Young people are finding they fall in between the two and not able to get a job.”

Tiah-Paige, 20, from Great ­Yarmouth, Norfolk, has only worked for a month, after she secured shifts at her local community ­theatre.

She says: “I get anxiety caused by not being financially stable. It brings on a lot of stress.

“There needs to be more support for young people.

“It would be good if employers who turn you down could offer on-the-job training.

“Employers who give young people a chance will find them enthusiastic and determined.”

Covid also grounded Forester Hirst’s fledgling career.

The 24-year-old, from Guiseley, near Leeds, lost his job as a hotel entertainer in the Canary Islands and returned to the UK.

After failing to find work he applied for Universal Credit.

One positive was the support of the Prince’s Trust.

He says: “It’s been a very difficult year. I lost out on 12 months of doing a job I enjoyed. Covid has stopped life for everyone.

“The turning point came when I contacted the Prince’s Trust. It helped me secure work in a supermarket and provided courses to hopefully help me find work.”

Forester hopes the relaxation of travel rules will let him return to his job as an entertainer. And he is backing The Sun on Sunday’s campaign.

He says: “Anything that can be done to provide more support for young people looking for work is great. The Prince’s Trust helped me so much.

“I’d encourage anyone in the same position to get in touch with them. They can help you find a way through what is a really difficult time.”