A Midlands city has been identified as having the highest rate of jobless teenagers in England, according to the latest statistics. The figures relate to 16 and 17-year-olds who are classified as NEETs - not in education, employment, or training.
Derby tops the list with a NEET rate of 7.1%, representing over 500 young people of this age who are currently neither studying nor working. This marks a significant rise from the 4.6% recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic.
In comparison, Birmingham’s NEET rate stands at 3.1%, placing it much lower on the national list, despite areas of the city recently being named among the worst for youth unemployment when considering the broader 16 to 24 age group. Leicester follows Derby closely, with 5.9% of its 16 and 17-year-olds not engaged in education or employment.
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Andy Burnham, the newly appointed Prime Minister, has pledged to prioritise reducing youth unemployment during his tenure. Addressing the challenges faced by young people seeking work and training opportunities has been highlighted as one of his key objectives.
The recent data align with earlier reports which identified several areas in Birmingham as having the highest unemployment rates among 16 to 24-year-olds, underscoring ongoing concerns about youth employment prospects in parts of the Midlands.
“Tackling youth unemployment and supporting young adults into work remains a critical mission as we seek to rebuild from the effects of the pandemic.”
Efforts to reverse these trends will be closely watched as policymakers aim to provide more opportunities and resources for young people in the region and beyond.