Today’s (15 October) labour market statistics from The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the number of unemployed young people remains high.

Dr Andrea Barry, Principal Economist at Youth Futures Foundation, comments:

“The latest data from the ONS Labour Market statistics reveal a concerning trend of persistent youth unemployment, with over 12.6% of UK youth aged 16-24 out of full-time education currently unemployed. Additionally, 20.2% young people not in full-time education are economically inactive.

“These figures further highlight the scale of the challenge to achieve the Prime Minister’s ambitious goal to eradicate youth unemployment, which he set out at Labour Party Conference. It remains achievable in the long-term, and we agree that initiatives like the Youth Guarantee are a crucial first step.

“As co-chairs of the Youth Employment Group, we have strongly supported the Youth Guarantee as a solution to address the significant issue of young people not in employment or education. We stand eager to continue our work with Government, partners, and young people to make this a reality.”