Young person’s view: Riots could hit job prospects

Danielle Everett, 21, lives on the Gascoigne Estate, Barking. She is to due to graduate from the University of Westminster, central London

When the London riots reached Barking and Dagenham last Monday all anyone could do was talk about which areas around them were being targeted.

Yet come Tuesday – when the full extent of damage could be assessed – I started to feel more uncertain about my job prospects.

At 21, I am just out of university and knew that due to the state of the economy, obtaining a job would be hard, but after such events, and yet another rejection letter, I feel the prospect that an employer will hire a young person slipping away.

Due to the stupidity of those who took part in the riots, I think many will use it as an excuse not to hire someone who may be young, fearing that there will be a long line of problems to follow.

I think it will be a while now before employers will be able to look pass the fact that not all young people are the same and just because someone dresses a certain way it doesn’t mean they are a yob.

This article features as part of the Post campaign Choose Your Future.