Number of young people not in education, employment or training drops
Joe Lepper
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) has fallen, according to the latest government statistics.
The figures show that the proportion of 16- to 18-year-olds classified as Neet fell from 10.3 per cent at the end of 2008 to 9.2 per cent at the end of last year. This fall comes amid a drop in employment among this age group and a surge in take-up of further education and training courses.
At the end of 2008, half of young people not in education or training had a job, but this had fallen to 47 per cent by the end of 2009.
During the same period, the proportion of 16- to 18-year-olds in education and training rose from 79.7 per cent to 82.7 per cent during the same period.
By the end of 2009, there were 39,000 16- to 18-year-olds in education and training, the highest number ever recorded.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "The figures show that the number of young people not in education, employment or training remains too high.
"The government made clear in the coalition programme that it will support the creation of apprenticeships, internships, work pairings and training places as part of our wider programme to get Britain working."
At the end of 2008, half of young people not in education or training had a job, but this had fallen to 47 per cent by the end of 2009.
During the same period, the proportion of 16- to 18-year-olds in education and training rose from 79.7 per cent to 82.7 per cent during the same period.
By the end of 2009, there were 39,000 16- to 18-year-olds in education and training, the highest number ever recorded.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "The figures show that the number of young people not in education, employment or training remains too high.
"The government made clear in the coalition programme that it will support the creation of apprenticeships, internships, work pairings and training places as part of our wider programme to get Britain working."
