he number of young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) for 2014's summer months has returned to levels not seen since 2007, according to official figures published recently. The quarterly figures show a fall of 136,000 young people NEET compared with the same period last year, continuing a general downward trend under this Government since 2011.

These figures show that in the third quarter of 2014 (July to September) compared to the same period in 2013, the proportion of 19- to 24-year-olds who were NEET had fallen by 2.4 percentage points, a reduction of 107,000. Also, 16- to 18-year-olds who were NEET had fallen by 1.6 percentage points to 10.6%, which is down by 29,000.

Commenting, Sir Oliver said, “It is good to see so many young people getting the chance to gain education and skills for the future, rather than a life of pointless boredom.”

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