Who cares? The social care sector and the future of youth employment

Abstract

The social care sector has been identified as a potential source of job creation for young people by policymakers, however the quality of such employment opportunities requires closer scrutiny. This study reveals how job creation strategies focused upon sectors such as social care which have high levels of employment insecurity can contribute towards reinforcing patterns of precarious work across Europe. Drawing upon research involving young people and representatives from the sector, this study argues that while attracting new employees is a worthy objective, the capacity of the social care sector to offer secure employment for young people is questionable