When asked who should pay towards the £15,000 costs attached to the service, two-thirds of those polled (66 per cent) said employers should contribute towards the wage. A quarter (25 per cent) said the Government should pay in full.
“More than 70 per cent of employers said they would favour in their hiring process a service background,” Mr Barcott said.
“Service equips you with the life skills. It gives you discipline, it gives you the ability to work with others. It frankly humbles you.”
Victoria Head, CEO of City Year UK, said: “Young people are telling us clearly that they are supportive of a year of service when it is paid, recognised, and leads somewhere.
“Employers, the government and charities should join forces to give them that opportunity.”
Stephen Greene, Director of UK Year of Service, said: “Young people in the UK have so much to contribute to our collective future.
“The UK Year of Service pilot program showed that they can make a meaningful difference in their communities while gaining the skills employers need most.”
The survey also found majorities in every main party’s voters backed the funded scheme, from Labour at 75 per cent to Reform at 67 per cent.
“It’s one of the few issues that actually does unite us, this recognition that service matters, and we should seek more of it,” Mr Barcott said.
“Courage is a form of service. And let’s seek more ways that our young adults in particular can serve.”
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