THE discontent experienced by young people during the last couple of years is unparalleled. This is partly attributed to weak economy, high unemployment rate and the stopping of the manufacturing wheel. Unemployment has never been worse. It is wrong to blame the coronavirus for all of it.

Every year, a few thousand university graduates expect to start a professional career. However, most of them face nothing but embarrassment and disappointment as soon as they move into the job market.

The ‘new normal’ for new graduates is to work pro bono to gain experience for a few months. Is this an ethical and a lawful move?

This abuse in the work market has been experienced by a number of my colleagues. Employers tend to hire new graduates to work for free and do not even pay a single penny for meals or travel allowances.

Experienced practitioners, on the other hand, face similar obstacles. The previous development was not sustained due to weak economic policies. Inflation is rising and so are downsizing and layoffs. Over three million individuals are feared to lose their jobs.

No new industries are being created, and, while coronavirus undeniably affected the economy, it is wrong to blame the virus for everything. The human component is also undeniably there.

Waheed Ethsam
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2020