YOUNG people have been worst hit by austerity and now face the greatest economic obstacles for several generations, new figures reveal today.

According to a report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), the last five years have seen the biggest fall in income and employment for those under 34.

EHRC commissioner Laura Carstensen said: “The gateways to opportunity that the commission identified five years ago remain harder to pass through for some groups, such as disabled people, those from poorer backgrounds and women over a certain age.”

Commenting on young people’s plight, she added: “Theirs are the shoulders on which the country will rely to provide for a rapidly ageing population, yet they have the worst economic prospects for several generations.”

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady insisted: “The government can no longer afford to ignore the plight of young people.”