Describes trends in youth unemployment in Scotland since 1977. Notes the patterns and distribution of youth unemployment and considers their implications for education. Describes the changing pattern of instability in the youth labor market, noting the association between qualifications and employment. Discusses likely consequences of the Youth…

This paper summarizes evidence from the Scottish Young People's Survey (SYPS) on the labor market problems of young people in Scotland. The discussion focuses largely on youth unemployment. Other indicators of disadvantage, such as quality of employment and wages, are either difficult to measure or are of doubtful validity for this age group.…