An upward trend in unemployment is disheartening to any country, more so when a good number of those out of work are young people. The latest batch of figures given by the National Office of Statistics shows that the jobless figure in June was up over that for the same month last year, a worrying fact that no doubt made the government even more determined than before in its efforts to do all it could to help out firms directly hit by the economic slowdown. Some 26 firms are known to have asked for direct government help, and seven are receiving some form of aid, helping to avoid discharges in the wake of a fall in orders.

What has drawn particular attention in recent days was the focus on youth unemployment across the European Union, including Malta, and a community pilot project for the jobless launched by the government. According to the EU statistics agency, unemployment among young people was rising all over the European Union, which is why perhaps the Commission last year launched a strategic plan for cooperation on education and training. Issues such as reading literacy and early school leaving are considered as "substantial challenges" for the European Union.

Every sixth young person in the European Union still leaves school with only compulsory education or less. According to the Commission's strategic plan, adults with low levels of education are seven times less likely to be engaged in continuing education and training than those with high levels. What is the situation in Malta in this regard? Giving a breakdown of the jobless figure for last year in Parliament, Social Policy Minister John Dalli said earlier this year that 5,289 had an education level below that of ordinary level, 881 were of a level between ordinary and advanced, and 203 had a diploma or were graduates. As to the type of employment they were registering for, the minister said the majority - 1,232 - wanted to work in the service and retail sectors, followed by 1,087 who wanted to do elementary work.

This clearly points to the need of greater educational preparation to help young people find jobs in an increasingly competitive environment. There are no short cuts in this field and systems in place ought to infuse greater motivation towards the attainment of higher education levels. According to Eurostat, on average, youth unemployment in the 16-member euro area in the first quarter stood at 18.3 per cent, up almost four per cent from the 14.5 per cent in March 2008. In Malta, the worst-hit among youngsters in the first quarter were women, up to 12 per cent. Unemployment among young males was up to 14.7 per cent, from 13.7 the previous year.

Turning to the community work pilot project launched by Mr Dalli, this is definitely a very good move as, if it is well managed, it may well help check abuse and, more importantly, overcome helplessness and encourage initiative. One hundred of those out of work and who are under 51 are to be recruited to do community work, for which they will earn 75 per cent of the minimum wage. The scheme will at first run for six months, but the aim is to extend it to everyone living on benefits. It is not voluntary and those refusing to take part may lose their benefits. Well done to Mr Dalli for taking such an important step forward in this field.