The Facts

Youth unemployment and disengagement at 16 is one of the major issues facing the UK today.

• One in five 16-24 year olds are currently unemployed, 20.3% of the UK unemployment rate.
• Over 10% of young people are classified as Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) in some areas, costing the Government an estimated £1bn per year.
• Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) (encouraging young people from low income backgrounds to progress to further education or training at 16) has been removed by the Government with 70% of recipients indicating this may force them to ‘drop out’ of college.

There are many barriers inhibiting the progression of these young people:

• A negative school experience;
• intermittent attendance at school from as early as 13;
• been in trouble with the police;
• experienced problems with drugs or alcohol;
• suffered or witnessed domestic violence;
• full-time carer responsibilities;
• teenage pregnancy.

Education has the power to transform lives, however, this can no longer be achieved through Government funding alone.