ONS Neet figures: DWP Secretary of State response

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said:

“These stark figures underline the importance of Alan Milburn's report which I commissioned because we cannot afford to lose a generation of young people.

“This vital work lays bare the scale of the challenge and the root causes of youth unemployment we now need to confront.

“We are already taking action by bringing forward the biggest youth employment reforms in a generation to create 500,000 opportunities for young people, including a Youth Jobs Grant for businesses starting next month, more apprenticeships, and subsidised employment to help young people get a foot on the ladder.”