Teenagers in the US are finding it harder to find summer work as a consequence of the current economic situation, according to a new study.

Researchers at Northeastern University's Center for Labor Market Studies have found that a number of businesses are reducing employment opportunities because of weak consumer spending.

Young people, who are unable to fund their activities in between school and college with a job, may find themselves slipping into debt earlier than those who do get vacation work.

Joseph McLaughlin, a research associate at the center which conducted the survey, told Bloomberg television: "Teens are the lowest in the hiring queue because they have less experience and can usually only work limited hours."

He added that this age group is the "hardest hit in a recession".

Last week, results from a USA Today poll indicated that less than 50 percent of Americans thought their offspring would live a better life than they have, due to the current economic situation.

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