Summary: Why is it so difficult for young people to find jobs today? Professor Carrie Kerekes offers three reasons. 1. Mismatch of skills: Many young people may lack the skills employers desire or require. They may have college degrees but not in fields where jobs are available. Government may help subsidize college costs, but getting a degree does not guarantee that a job will follow. 2. Government regulations: Many government regulations add extra expense to the cost of labor or make it more difficult for firms to hire and fire workers. These regulations may cause the number of available positions to be lower than it would be absent such rules. 3. General uncertainty: As the economy continues its slow recovery after the financial crisis, many firms feel uncertain about the future, which makes them hesitant to hire new workers. New legislation, such as the Affordable Care Act, can also add to uncertainty when it is unclear how much the new rules will increase the cost of labor. The common factor in all of these reasons is government. Prof. Kerekes says, 'The unemployed would be better served if government stepped out of the picture and allowed economic growth and a free market to create more jobs and prosperity.'
