Figures released today by the Department for Education reveal that the number of young people classed as Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) has increased from 146,430 in 2010 to 154,710 in 2011. This is an increase of 8,280, which is 5.7%.
Karen Buck MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Young People, responding to today’s NEETs figures said:
“Today’s figures are another nail in the coffin of the Government’s failed economic plan.
“This generation of young people is paying a huge price for the recession made in Downing Street – long term youth unemployment has more than doubled in the last year.
“Whether it is cutting support for young people to stay in school, trebling tuition fees or ending face to face careers advice, this Government is hopelessly out of touch with the needs of the next generation.
“The Government’s approach is nothing more than a sticking plaster in just a few areas of the country.
“By contrast, Labour’s Real Jobs Guarantee would provide a real job for all young people across the country who have been out of work for a year by ensuring bankers pay their fair share.”
