## Chapter 2 Current Situation and Issues in the Labour Supply Section 1 The Attitudes of Youth Issues Related to Employment Promotion

Since the 1990s, the employment situation for younger workers has been severe. Finishing school, choosing an occupation, and being able to actively participate in society is important in the lives of individuals. The transitional period from school to employment, during which youth desire to begin their work lives and start living independently, is a vital phase. Compared with the past, however, youth today face a worsening employment situation, and the number of young people unable to make a smooth transition from school to work is increasing.

In light of the employment problems of youth, people at all levels of society must interest themselves. Economic, labour, and educational groups, local communities, government, and so on must work closely together so that young people can understand the meaning of work and increase their ambition and skills. Initiatives to promote the independence of youth must be strengthened.

## (The Difficult Employment Situation for Youth)

Looking at the youth unemployment rate, it increased sharply for both males and females in the mid-1990s, climbing to 12.8% for the 15–19 group in 2002 and 9.8% for the 20–24 group in 2003. Although some signs of improvement have subsequently appeared, the youth unemployment rate remains high (Figure 33). In addition, the percentage leaving work within three years of entering a company is high, and the number leaving within one year is particularly high. Moreover, the percentage of employed 15 to 24 year olds who are employed part-time is rapidly increasing, further indicating the difficult employment situation that young people face.

## (Changes in Youth Attitudes)

Youth is a time when people are expected to finish school and become active members of society. Even if the environment for finding work is difficult, young people are expected to have a positive attitude towards work. In surveys of their reasons for working, the percentage of young people responding "To have an enjoyable life" has been increasing in recent years, while the percentage responding "To test one's ability" or "To be economically comfortable" has been decreasing (Figure 34).

In addition, the percentage that say "I want to work more than the average person" and "One must be willing to step forward and struggle while one is young" is also increasing.

Regarding what gives meaning to their work, the percentage responding "Accomplishing my own work", "Feeling that I'm progressing and improving", or "Having my work recognized as important" is on an upward trend.

When asked about their ideal jobs, more than 50 percent responded "One with a steady income" or "One that I find enjoyable".

Looking at changing attitudes towards life in general, the percentage of those responding "I want to avoid responsibility as much as possible" or "I don't really want to do things that require effort or training" is rising. At the same time, however, the percentage holding the idea that "I want to achieve my dreams even if I have to struggle" is increasing among those in their late teens in particular. Along with the trend to avoid effort, there is an opposite trend within the same age group, indicating that their values are diversifying.