According to new figures, 191,000 teenagers were not in education, employment, or training (also known as ‘neet’) during the three months leading up to June.
The proportion of teenagers who are neet has risen to 10.3 per cent, klfm967.co.uk has calculated.
A study by the Department for Education found that Northern areas – such as Yorkshire and Humberside – were found to have the largest number of neets; whereas young people in London and the East Midlands were more likely to be in education, training or have found jobs.
Reacting to the findings, a government spokeswoman said: “We are spending a record £7.5 billion on education and training for 16-to-19-year-olds, we have increased apprenticeship starts and growth across all ages, in all sectors and throughout the country.
“As part of the Youth Contract, we are spending £126 million over the next three years on extra targeted support for the 55,000 16-and-17-year-olds most in need of education and training,” she added.
The data also revealed that almost a million 16-24-year-olds were neet in the second quarter of this year, reports independent.co.uk.
Karen Buck, the shadow education minister, commented on the findings: “Now more than ever, we need to ensure our young people have the right skills , experience and opportunities to progress in education or the workplace.”