Youth unemployment seen as 'scarring' by global group

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- As the jobs crisis drags on, high unemployment could permanently damage the economic prospects of the world's youngest workers, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warned Tuesday.

A lack of jobs for workers ages 15 to 24 could create a "scarring effect" on their long-term career paths and future earnings prospects, the OECD said.

"It is imperative that governments use every possible means at their disposal to help jobseekers, especially young people, by removing barriers to job creation and investing in their education and skills," said OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría, presenting the report in Paris.

The OECD urges employers and policymakers to create more work-study programs, including internships and other vocational training programs to address the problem.