Plea for help on 'great tragedy for young people'

TOO MANY NOT IN WORK, EDUCATION OR TRAINING

- By DANIEL HOLLAND Local Democracy Reporter

POLITICIANS in Newcastle have renewed calls for action to prevent young Geordies falling out of work or study, after a national investigation was launched.

It was announced last weekend that former health secretary Alan Milburn will lead an independent review into the increasing numbers of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) - with a particular focus on the impact of mental health conditions and disabilities.

The North East has the highest rate of NEETs in England and there have been longstanding concerns about the problem, especially in the poorest parts of the region and among more vulnerable groups such as care leavers and teenage parents.

According to the Youth Futures Foundation, 15% of 16 to 24-year-olds in the North East are not in work or study, compared to a national average of 11%.