North Swindon MP Welcomes Latest Increase In Number Of Young People In Education, Employment & Training

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has welcomed news that the number of young people not in education, employment or training has continued to fall.

New figures released this week show that in October to December 2018, there were nearly 4,800 fewer 16-24 year olds were not in education, employment or training relative to the previous year.

Since 2010, the number not in education, employment or training has fallen by 285,000, thanks to the Government’s balanced approach to the economy – in contrast to the previous Labour Government where the number of young people not in education, employment or training rose by nearly a third.

The Government’s work to increase opportunities for young people has paid off in recent years, with over 428,000 fewer young people out of work since 2010. The means that the level of youth unemployment has almost halved since 2010.

Apprenticeships have also provided a way for young people to earn as they learn a trade, and embark on a career. Almost 4 million apprenticeships have been taken up since 2010, and in Swindon more than 12,000 apprenticeships have been started over that period.

Last year a record 16.1% of people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds have been accepted on to a university course - another increase on the previous year. The Government is committed to improving and increasing higher education opportunities for young people.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “This is fantastic news and I am very proud of the work the Government is doing to increase opportunities for young people. I have seen first-hand how beneficial apprenticeships and other training schemes can be, and I am delighted that so many businesses in Swindon are offering young people the chance to earn while they train.”