Daily roundup 21 January: Unemployment, school safeguarding, and education

The number of young people who are unemployed and economically inactive rose between September and November 2014, latest official figures show. Despite an overall rise in employment, the number of 16- to 24-year-olds employed in the period fell by 84,000 compared to the three months previous, while those who were unemployed and economically inactive rose 30,000 and 39,000 respectively. However, when compared to the same period in 2013, the Office for National Statistics data shows large falls in unemployment and economic inactivity in young people.


Hundreds of teachers and support staff have been suspended amid confusion over child protection rules in England's schools, Unison says. The union claims around 300 school staff who live with someone with a conviction for a violent or sexual crime could be disqualified, and has called on the government to clarify guidance to primary schools introduced late last year. The government says schools must "use their judgement" in applying the rules, reports the BBC.


Pupils' academic progress should be the main measure used by the government to gauge whether England's primary schools are performing well, according to a report by CentreForum. Measuring progress would better reflect the "good work" schools do to close the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and the rest, the think-tank says. Currently, schools are assessed on pupils' attainment - how many make the grade in writing, reading and maths.


A secret government file is to be opened up to an independent inquiry into historic child sex abuse. Sky News reports that the file, which has been locked away for 35 years on grounds of “national security”, details “unnatural” sexual behaviour in the 1980s – a time when paedophiles are alleged to have operated in senior political circles in Westminster.


Internet provider Sky has announced plans to automatically block access to pornography in a bid to protect children from viewing adult content. Under the plans, filters will block access to content deemed unsuitable for children unless users opt out. The BBC reports that the changes will be introduced over the coming weeks.


And finally, a youth campaigner is stepping down after spending more than 30 years with the Dorset Youth Association. The Dorset Echo reports that Pamela Seaton, who gained an MBE in 2000 for services to young people in the community, has held various roles since joining the charity in 1981.