Margaret Greenwood MP, Shadow Minister for Employment and Inequalities, commenting on today’s ONS statistics on young people not in education, employment or training, said:

“Today’s figures showing a 14,000 rise in the number of young people not in work, education or training are yet another warning sign of Tory mismanagement of the economy.

“These figures are the direct result of years of Tory cuts to employment support for young people, including the Connexions service, replaced with a policy of punitive sanctions.

“Work, education and training are important in developing young people’s confidence and opportunities. Only Labour can be trusted to give our young people the support they need to realise their potential.”