Vox Pop: Is enough being done to tackle rising Neet figures?
Monday, November 29, 2010
The number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) has once again risen above the one million mark.
NO - SHAKS GHOSH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, PRIVATE EQUITY FOUNDATION
News that other G7 countries have reduced their proportion of "Neets" suggests that there's no reason why we can't tackle our own crisis. However, the Department for Education has to embrace Neet young people as a central issue. It's my fervent hope that the pupil premium will go beyond qualifications. With so many likely Neets already "known" by 14, the resource could also give these disadvantaged and often disengaged young people the wider social and life skills they will need for the world of work.
NO - HELEN BERRESFORD, PARLIAMENTARY OFFICER, YWCA
There needs to be high-quality information, advice and guidance that challenges gender stereotypes. There needs to be more support for young people at transition points, for example the change between primary and secondary, to prevent them from disengaging. Girls tend to respond differently to boys when they disengage - often doing so quietly, which can easily be overlooked. Voluntary sector organisations have considerable expertise in this area, and the government should draw upon their experience.
NO - JONATHAN CLIFTON, RESEARCH FELLOW, INSTITUTE FOR PUBLIC POLICY RESEARCH
The weak labour market is what lies behind the rising numbers of Neets - but the government's spending cuts mean this group will be hit for a second time. The government is withdrawing the services and institutions that Neets rely on. Connexions, guarantees for training, the Future Jobs Fund, youth work, pupil referral units and further education are all being scaled back or abolished, leaving fewer pathways back into work and education.
YES - IAN GREEN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, YMCA ENGLAND
Yes, but the rising number of Neet young people is a huge cause for concern. The YMCA believes that young people need a skillset to thrive in society and that's why we aim to empower young people with the right skills and education. We are pleased with the positive recent announcements of increases to the number of apprenticeships, but we would encourage the government to continue to widen access to these opportunities for all young people. We are looking forward to further discussion with government on this in the new year.