THE North East has the highest proportion of jobless young people in England, figures show.
A shocking 17.3 per cent aged 16-24 in the region are not in education, or training (NEET).
The North East has the highest proportion of jobless young people in EnglandCredit: Getty
Labour’s work tsar Alan Milburn, who has warned of a ‘lost generation’Credit: Rachel Adams – Commissioned for The Times
has warned of a “lost generation” with a million overall classed as NEET.
has the highest total at 145,000, and the rate there is 10.5 per cent. The North East total is 50,000.
Mr Milburn publishes a review into the problem this summer.
He said: “Growing up in the , I know it is a region of grafters who have driven British industry for decades.
“Today 50,000 young people in my home region are not in education, employment or training.
“That’s not a failure of ambition; it’s a long-term failure to back our youngsters.
“If we want young people to succeed, we have to end the postcode lottery and put serious backing into the places that shaped us, rebuilding routes into skills, work and a decent future for every young person.
“The government is taking action but we must go further to avoid a lost generation.”
Mr Milburn has said that young people with mental health issues or should not be “written off” from the workforce.
Labour tried to cut the welfare bill by £5billion last year but was thwarted by a rebellion.
Legislation to reduce the bill is likely next year as the government also awaits a probe by Welfare Minister Sir Stephen Timms.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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