Canada’s young workers: the group the economic recovery left behind

Young workers got the worst of the recession, and now they’re getting the least from the recovery.

Employment in the 15-to-24 age group remains 228,000 shy of pre-slump levels.

In contrast, Statistics Canada figures show that the overall economy has 33,000 more jobs than when the 2008-2009 slump began.

What’s more, there evidence that young Canadians are getting so frustrated that they are dropping out of the labour market altogether.

Analysts say youth face a number of unique challenges with the economy in a tight labour market, including lack of connections and experience.

Some are calling on government to offer employers incentives to hire young workers.

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