Literacy news
17 per cent of young people not in work, education or training
22 Nov 2012
The number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) topped the one million mark in the third quarter of this year, up from 968,000 the previous quarter, according to the Department for Education. Statistics published today show 1,027,000 young people are now classified as NEET.
Overall, the number represents a drop of 136,000 on the same period last year. But the union Unison said young people were being “let down” by the Government.
National Secretary for Education, Jon Richards said:
These figures will no doubt be heralded as a success by the Government. But this will be no comfort for the 17 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds who are still out of work, education or training.
This week, a CBI report highlighted the importance of literacy skills to get young people into employment. It recommended that there should be an increased emphasis on the skills young people need for life and work. It suggested that schools need to start by ensuring everyone leaves school with the basics of literacy, but also build the social skills essential for employment.
Read the full story in Children and Young People Now.
