A report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) says youth unemployment is at unprecedented levels. The ILO Global Employment Trends report said the world is potentially facing a lost generation as youth unemployment hits a record high. It said 81 million young people were left without work last year, a problem made worse by the global economic downturn. The report warned that despite forecasts for a recovery next year, opportunities on the job market for those aged 15 to 24 are not as good as those for older adults. It also found pay and conditions for those who have jobs are worse, with the global economic crisis leaving permanent scars. The author of the report, Mr. Sarah Elder says stimulus spending needs to continue and if it does not there will be dire consequences for young people.