Tackling the issue of those not in education, employment or training

The publication yesterday by the Government of the latest statistics of those not in education, employment or training makes for shocking reading. The number of 19-24 year olds classified as NEETs has risen by 24% in the last year – the largest increase since records began.

Of course there’s no easy answer to this problem and I don’t believe young people have an automatic right to a job or paid for education. However part of the solution lies with local community organisations coming together to tackle the specific issues of their locality in a coordinated and integrated way. This needs to be backed by a clear vision (supported with funding) from central and local Government.

Initiatives like the Big Up Your Future campaign in Staffordshire, which we were involved with, point the way to how local partnerships between youth groups, schools, resident associations and the local authority can help young people to raise their aspirations and think about their future.