The Western Mail reports on research that shows that thousands of young people across Wales remain out of work and not in education.
They say that official figures show a total of 12% of 16 to 18-year-olds were so-called Neets (Not in Employment, Education or Training) at the end of last year. The situation among 19 to 24-year-olds was even more serious, with more than a fifth (21.6%) in this situation, up from 17.6% in 2008.
These statistics show how fmuch the Welsh Government has to improve its performance if it is to hit its target of ensuring that 93% of 16 to 18-year-olds are not Neets this year. In 2006 just 10% of this age range were jobless and outside the education system, but this had climbed to 12.5% by 2008.
Jenny Randerson, Welsh Liberal Democrat education and economy spokeswoman, said: “These figures show a disappointing stagnation in the reduction of young people not in education, employment or training in Wales.
“Historically, Wales has had the highest percentage of Neets in the UK and the Labour-Plaid government really needs to get a grip on these figures so that young people don’t start life on the wrong foot.”
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