RECRUITING an army of “reluctant teen volunteers” is not a valid solution for giving young people the support they need, Unison has warned, calling for greater investment in public services.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced last week that the Conservatives will reintroduce 12 months of mandatory national service if the party win the election.

Eighteen-year-olds will have the option to apply for a full-time military placement or volunteer one weekend a month to carry out community service.