NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE NOT IN EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION OR TRAINING SOARS

Scottish Labour warned that a forgotten generation is forming under the SNP after the number of NEETs – young people not in employment, education or training- in Scotland reached its highest point since the SNP took power in 2007.

The figures show that 36,000 16 to 19 year olds were classed as NEETs in 2009 – 5,000 more than the previous year.

This comes after Scottish Government figures revealed that employment rates for school leavers have plummeted to their lowest since the SNP came to power (22.9%) and a 10% rise in the number of 2009 school leavers neither in education, employment or training.

The significant increase also led to warnings that SNP cuts to funding for initiatives to help NEETs would make matters worse.

Local Labour MSP, Jackie Baillie said,"These figures are a clear sign that, under the SNP, a forgotten generation is beginning to emerge.

"Young people should never be consigned to the scrap-heap and left without the vital opportunities to improve their circumstances, but we can see that this is happening to more and more young Scots.

"The SNP’s decision to cut funding aimed at helping young people not in education, employment or training, risks making matters worse.

"The SNP must not fail a generation of young Scots and cannot be complacent about these figures."