Almost a third of young workers could lose their jobs by the 2030s as automation reduces the need for manpower, a report by PwC has revealed. The consultancy explained the wholesale and retail industry, where nearly a quarter of 16-24-year-olds work, could be the worst hit by automation. PwC predicted that up to 44% of those employed in the sector could lose their jobs as a result of technology. Although there will be more opportunity for young people to become more
A quarter of girls and nearly one in 10 boys show signs of depression at the age of 14, say UK researchers. The government-funded study of over 10,000 young people looked at how many experienced the signs of depression not a clinical diagnosis of one. Being from a poorer background or being of mixed or white ethnic background appeared to raise the risk. Surveys with their parents, however, suggested many were not attuned to the true anxieties of their children. Parents
The number of homeless families in the UK has risen by more than 60% and is “likely to have been driven” by the government’s welfare reforms, the public spending watchdog has said. Homelessness of all kinds has increased “significantly” over the last six years, said the NAO (National Audit Office). It accused the government of having a “light touch approach” to tackling the problem. The government said it was investing £550m by 2020 to address the issue. There has been a 60%
British children’s biggest fear is becoming a victim of crime, according The Children’s Society’s annual report. Among 10 to 17-year-olds, almost 40% worry about crime and are particularly fearful of theft, being followed by a stranger or being assaulted. The Children’s Society’s annual report, which surveyed 3,000 children and their parents, found that overall, levels of happiness continue to fall each year. It wants the government to increase funding for vulnerable children. After their safety, parental debt and money
Pass marks for GCSEs in England need to be pushed upwards to catch up with high performing education systems in Asia, say researchers from the Education Policy Institute. GCSE results are being changed to grades 9 to 1, with the first such grades to be published this week. But there will be two different pass marks – grade 4 as a “standard” pass and grade 5 as a “strong” pass. Researchers say pupils need to be at grade 5 to match
