Results of the 3rd Youth Barometer: Young people are worried about their future

Statement by AKEL MP Christos Christofias and deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance Committee

22 March 2022

Today we discussed the issues the 3rd consecutive Youth Barometer highlighted, conducted on behalf of the Cyprus Youth Organisation.

As expected, the survey highlighted the profound concerns of young people and the uncertainty they experience in relation to their employment and the financial difficulties they face, as well as serious issues related to work, education and mental health. Concerns about social stereotypes and prejudices.

The government and the ruling DISY party must finally feel what the majority of society, and especially youth, are experiencing and realise that their socio-economic policies, along with the pandemic and high cost of living, are putting a lot of pressure on young people and at the same time causing great social and economic insecurity.

AKEL reiterates the need for measures and regulations to improve all worker’s position in the labour market and give prospects, quality of work and life to our young people, the future of this country.

AKEL demands:

– Strengthening of vocational guidance services in schools and through Cyprus Youth Organisation programmes.

– The regulation of labour relations, with the legislative safeguarding of collective agreements on the one hand and the guarantee of a minimum wage and basic benefits for working people not covered by a collective agreement on the other.

– Full restoration of the Cost of Living Allowance and its extension to every worker in the country. This will protect the purchasing power of the majority of the people.

– Re-adjustment of social benefits, which have remained stagnant.

– Measures to combat poverty.

– Provision of psychological support towards young people.