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This week the latest unemployment figures will be published. However they won't take into account the latest job losses on the High Street, at places like HMV, Blockbuster and Jessops.
While unemployment has been falling of late, some forecasts suggest that there is worse to come. According to the Institute of Public Policy Research, the outlook is particularly bleak for young people, who could end up in a Catch 22 situation: with a high number of applicants for each job, employers prefer those with experience. So where does this leave those just starting out? Having a degree is no guarantee of success either: the website, CareerMatters.co.uk, found that unemployment for new graduates has almost doubled during the recession.
So how can we get more young people into work? Are the government's new initiatives helping? Do we need more apprenticeships and on-the-job training?
If you are a young person looking for work, let us know what it is like for you. Have you tried to find apprenticeships or work experience? Perhaps you are a concerned parent whose child can't get a foot on the job ladder. And if you are an employer - do young people have what it takes?
03700 100 444 is the number or you can e-mail via the Radio 4 website or text us on 84844.
Presenter: Julian Worricker
Producer: Vibeke Venema.