Kirklees Council’s plan to slash a local careers service’s budget will have a significant negative impact on young people, warns UNISON today (Thursday).
C+K Careers provides employment advice for young people and adults across Kirklees and Calderdale. The organisation receives funding from the two local authorities to provide the service, which is delivered by careers professionals.
Kirklees Council has announced plans to reduce its funding by £150,000 in 2025/26. If the plan goes ahead, it would mean an overall reduction in funding to C+K Careers of 64% since 2022/23*, says UNISON. Calderdale Council has already cut the funding it provides, adds the union.
UNISON says further cuts would mean C+K Careers is only able to provide a digital service in Kirklees in future. A digital-only service would mean an end to home visits, and make it harder for staff to build relationships and trust with young people, the union adds.
There are concerns that this could lead to an increase in the number of young people not in education, employment or training, says the union. In addition, a reduction in funding is also likely to mean fewer staff, and an increase in work for those that remain in post, says UNISON.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Robin Symonds said: “C+K Careers provides a crucial service to young people and adults in Kirklees, helping them gain the skills needed to succeed in the world of work.
“A reduction in funding will make the service much harder to access and fewer people will benefit.
“Kirklees Council must reconsider its plans, and avoid potentially harming the life chances of young people living locally.”
Notes to editors:
– *There has been an overall reduction in funding from Kirklees Council to C+K Careers from £1.72m in 2022/23 to a proposed £614,000 in 2025/26.
