Norfolk's Big Leap in Young People Out of Work and Education
July 27, 2009 7:21 PM
Norfolk has had one of the highest increases in the country of young people not in work, education or training over recent years.
Official figures newly collated and published show a rise of 6,000 16 to 24 year olds in Norfolk not in education, employment or training ("Neet") in 2008 compared with 2001 figures. The increase from 9,000 to 15,000 over this period in Norfolk is the sixth biggest increase among England's Local Education Authorities, and represents a 4 pc increase of all Norfolk's 16-24 year olds being classed as Neet.
Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South, said:
"It's very disturbing to see such a dramatic increase in the numbers of young people out of any form of work or employment in Norfolk.
"Nationally, there's been a steep rise since the 2008 figures were published, and its reasonable to assume that the situation in Norfolk is now even worse than these figures show. The situation locally and nationally will worsen as school leavers find it even tougher to find employment."
Mr Wright added:
"There's a real danger that hundreds of Norfolk's young people will be turned away from universities this summer due to a shortage of degree places. Although some emergency provision has been announced, there will still be tens of thousands of students nationally who won't get a place at university.
"The education system must be made more flexible with more options for vocational and workplace learning. This will give the motivation to thousands more young people to continue in education relevant to their needs, and will give more employers the skilled workforce that they demand. There are some good opportunities available locally from education providers such as Norwich City College which help young people get on in life.
"The current generation of Norfolk's school leavers are being let down during the worst economic crisis that we've had for decades. The Government must do more to help our young people, as the consequences for those who fall through the net now could remain with them for the rest of their working lives."
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Simon Wright
- Facebook:
- Simon Wright
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats