Part-time work helps cut unemployment rate in North East

Nov 12 2009 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

Figures rocket

YOUTH unemployment figures rocketed as statistics show one in five young people is now out of work.

The latest unemployment statistics indicate the recession is hitting the youngest hardest.

Among those aged 16 to 24 however the number not in education, employment or training, classed as Neets, has reached almost 19.8 per cent, almost one million, for the first time.

Overall just under two and a half million are now looking for jobs, after an increase of 30,000 between July and September.

Steve Webb, work and pensions spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, described the situation as a “national disgrace”.

He said: “Ministers need to explain why their never-ending announcements on jobs have done nothing to avoid a record number of young people finding themselves out of work.”