Difficult entry: Some young people struggle to get a foothold in the labor market

Youth unemployment has long been a major concern among policymakers and researchers. It is an undisputed fact that problems entering the labor market have long-term negative effects on young people’s subsequent employment careers and their participation in society. What is more, young labor market entrants are hit much harder by economic crises than adult workers, as they often do not enjoy full protection against dismissal and because new hires are often the first to get cut during layoffs. To ensure successful and viable school-to-work transitions, industrialized countries have developed various institutions, policies, and programs to prevent problems at labor market entry. But in order to establish effective long-term institutions and medium-term policies, youth unemployment needs to be properly measured and described. The question is: Who is affected, and do the policies and programs in place cover all young people?