THE WORCESTERSHIRE Labour Group has hit out at the Government, claiming there are almost 2,500 unemployed young people in the county who have ‘dropped off the radar’ and are not in employment or education.
Labour’s analysis of figures taken from The Office for National Statistics showed almost 2,476 young people were NEETs (Not in education, employment or training) – a 255 per cent rise since 2010.
They added the report also declared 125,000 16 and 17 year olds in the UK were still not continuing education or training – citing a rise from last year despite the change in law requiring them to stay on until the age of 18.
Worcestershire Labour leader, Coun Peter McDonald said: “Since David Cameron became Prime Minister, there has been a shocking rise in the number of unemployed young people in Worcestershire who are missing from official statistics.”
Labour’s Shadow Education Secretary, MP, Lucy Powell added: “This Government is leaving many young people to sink or swim on their own.
She added: “These young people are deprived of the local support they need to help them to succeed in life after school.”
But Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid, who is also the Secretary of State for Business, Industry and Skills, rubbished the claims.
He said: “In 2010 when David Cameron became Prime Minister, the Office for National Statistics said that there were 3,105 young people unemployed in Worcestershire.
“Now, in 2015, there are 905. That’s a 71 per cent fall.
“These facts speak for themselves, but I’m not content and will continue to do all that I can to support our young people to get the start they need.
“That’s why I’m hosting my annual Bromsgrove Jobs Fair next month, with over 40 employers recruiting for hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships.
“If you’re a young person looking for a job or for guidance, please come and chat with me there.”
