The State will support every young person who needs it
, Prime Minister Jean Castex was committed. Two and a half months after the launch of the “1 young person 1 solution” plan, the Minister of Labor, Employment and Integration Élisabeth Borne reviews the effectiveness of the measures.
The government announced the “1 young 1 solution” plan, with a budget of 6.7 billion euros, in July. What were your concerns at that time?
A whole generation was entering the job market, that is to say 750,000 young people. However, we know that during an economic crisis, they are the first victims in terms of employment. The unemployment figures for the third quarter of 2020 also confirmed this concern. Among those under 25, the unemployment rate increased by 2.8 points, against 0.7 point for the other categories.
We were therefore right to anticipate and take this subject head-on. The “1 young person 1 solution” plan shows the first very concrete effects on youth employment.
The hiring aid, which allocates up to € 4,000 to companies recruiting a young person on permanent or fixed-term contracts for more than three months, is it producing its effects?
The figures for August and September are very reassuring. There are more than 700,000 hires of young people, while we could expect a collapse. In mid-November, more than 100,000 applications had been submitted for assistance in hiring a young person. This device, effective until the end of 2021, will ramp up. Companies that plan to use this bonus represent 40% of employees.
The second confinement risks halting this dynamic …
Unlike last spring, health restrictions allow maintain activity in most sectors. In addition, in the third quarter, the economy recovered quite spectacularly, with activity up 18%. This rebound capacity is reassuring for the future. My message to companies therefore remains the same: do not delay hiring, bet on young people and take advantage of support measures.
Apprenticeship reached a record in 2019, with 353,000 contracts signed. What about this year?
The decline in learning was one of my big concerns before the summer. From where the aid system, which allocates € 5,000 for the hiring of an apprentice under the age of 18 and € 8,000 for a major work-study student. 50,000 files to benefit from this aid have already been validated.
By mid-October, 314,000 apprenticeship contracts had been signed. We should therefore reach last year’s record, if not exceed it. It’s my aim.
What are the devices that work less well?
The youth guarantee has taken a little delay at ignition. This device offers young people between 16 and 25 in a precarious situation, both social and professional support. With a remuneration of nearly 500 € per month. We are aiming for a target of 100,000 youth guarantees in 2020. We are now at 71,000.
Otherwise, assisted contracts, now called Contrat initiative emploi (CIE), are still in their infancy in the private sector.
Certain sectors, such as tourism, hotels or aeronautics, will be permanently affected. What do you say to young people who see no prospect of hiring?
Our economy shows a strong and rapid rebound capacity. Employers are very careful not to lose the link with the younger generation, while waiting for the resumption of activity.
Moreover, young people who wish can reorienting itself towards more promising sectors and be accompanied for it. They will often be able to showcase their skills in another area. Take the example of aeronautics: this technical and industrial knowledge is highly sought after in the ecological transition and renewable energies sector.
No choice of orientation is final. This message, which I send to young people, is crucial in the crisis we are going through. Whether it is to adapt to changes in our economy or simply by wanting to change, everyone has the right to lifelong training.
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