The number who are unemployed in Britain stands at nearly 2.5 million, of whom 800,000 are aged between 18 and 24. Yet last week’s Budget failed to specify plans to reduce youth unemployment.

I CAN, the children’s communication charity, recently published its Skills for work, skills for life report, highlighting the urgent need to improve young people’s communication skills to get and retain jobs in an increasingly competitive market.

It found a strong link between social disadvantage and young people with speech, language and communication needs. In some socially deprived areas, upwards of 50 per cent of children start school with poor communication skills.

We must work together to ensure these young people are prioritised and are not left behind and unable to enter the workforce.

Virginia Beardshaw, Chief executive, I CAN.