Future is bleak for teenagers not in work or college, says TUC

date: 28 June 2012

embargo: For immediate release

Commenting on figures published by the Department for Education today (Thursday) which show an increase in the number of 16-18 year olds not in education, training or employment, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said:

'The future for these youngsters looks increasingly bleak. With so many people chasing a declining number of jobs, those fresh out of school with no work experience behind them are losing out every time to more experienced jobseekers.

'The government must now surely realise that its decision to cut the EMA has meant that thousands of teenagers from the UK's poorest families can no longer afford to continue their education. Without qualifications their chances of finding work anytime soon are slim.

'Ministers must step in now to prevent the creation of another lost generation and introduce new job schemes for every young person out of work for more than six months, as well as support to enable them to go back to college.'

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