Figures can tell a fascinating tale. During the past month or so we have learned via the Freedom of Information Act that since 1997 the Government has increased the number of press officers/spin doctors it employs from 300 to 3,259 today. Second, The National Youth Agency audit of youth services tells us local authorities employ 3,950 qualified youth workers (YPN, 19-25 July, p4). This compares with 2,550 in 1997.
At the current rate of growth, spin doctors will outnumber professional youth workers employed by local authorities by the end of the year. Surely this tells us something about priorities?
Tony Jeffs, senior lecturer, University of Durham community and youth work unit
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