Fears for youths who are unable to find jobs

THE SHARE of young people who have never held down a job has surged, amid growing concern about youths who are not in education or employment.

- By David Williamson CHIEF POLITICAL COMMENTATOR

Just 38% of people born from 1981-1985 had never worked by age 17 but this is now the case for 65% of under-30s, born between 1996-2000.

This is partly due to the requirement for schooling until 18, which has led the share of 16 and 17-year-olds in full-time education to increase from 75% in 2005 to 86% this year.

But addressing the one in 20 youths not currently in education, work or training - “Neets” - the