Rising number of teenagers 'falling through the gaps'

HERE is "growing concern" about the number of Newcastle youngsters falling out of work or education.

- DANIEL HOLLAND

City leaders have expressed mounting worries about the number of young people, especially those from poorer areas and vulnerable groups, who are not in education, employment or training (Neet).

According to latest government data, 6.9% of 16 or 17-year-olds in the city are Neet - the second highest rate in the North East, behind only Stockton, and a major increase from just 4.4% in 2020.

But councillors were told last week that the situation is far worse among some of Tyneside's most vulnerable, who are "falling through the cracks".

According to Newcastle City Council, 42% of young people involved with the Youth Justice Service are Neet, 30% of care leavers are disengaged, and 91% of young parents aged 16-18 are not participating in education or employment.