A generation being left on the shelf by this Tory-led government

New figures released today show that there are now 2,000 more young people classed as not in employment, education or training in the East Midlands.

The figures, released by the Department for Education, show that in quarter 2 of this year, there were 79,000 young people aged between 16-24 classed as NEET (not in employment, education or training), by quarter 3 this figure has increased by 2,000 to 81,000.

Stephen Twigg MP, Labour's Shadow Education Secretary commenting on the figures said: "With 81,000 young people in the East Midlands not in employment, education or training, now more than ever the East Midlands needs Labour’s five point plan for jobs and growth which will create 5,500 new jobs for young people here in the East Midlands through a repeat of the bank bonus tax.

"This is a generation that is being left on the shelf by this Tory-led government. By axing the Future Jobs Fund, scrapping Educational Maintenance Allowances and trebling tuition fees, they are kicking away the ladders of opportunity for so many young people.

"Not only is this a shocking waste of these young people's talents and skills, it is a massive drain on the country. It is no wonder the government will miss its own deficit reduction targets.

"It is simply not good enough for ministers to give excuses, or say unemployment is merely a distraction. We need action now to get people into work."