
More than a million 16 to 24-year-olds - almost one in five - are considered ''NEET'' (not in education, employment or training), according to statistics published by the Department for Education (DfE).
The figures show that in the third quarter of 2011, 1,163,000 young people in this age group were NEET, an extra 137,000 compared with the same point last year.
This is up 129,000 from 884,000 youngsters in the third quarter of last year.
And around one in seven 16-18-year-olds, 267,000 in total, are NEET, compared to 265,000 at the same point last year.
The figures come just weeks after Government figures revealed that the number of 16 to 24-year-olds looking for work increased by 67,000 in the quarter to September to 1.02 million, the worst total since comparable records began in 1992, giving a jobless rate of 21.9%, also a record.
Helen Donohoe, director of public policy at Action for Children, said: "These statistics are deeply concerning, but sadly, the number of young people who don't have jobs, or who aren't able to access education, is a reality we see every day.
"Many of these young people are vulnerable and are facing obstacles that most adults would find too much to bear. They may be living in poverty or experiencing neglect on a daily basis, putting employment and education opportunities far out of reach.
"We need to give these young people a fighting chance and we know that we can do that with the right kind of support. Timely support that addresses need and offers stability and consistency can open up opportunities to the right education, training programmes, and jobs.
"We know these programmes work to transform lives for the better, and can save society huge amounts of money in the long term.
"Unless we act now, we risk losing an entire generation of young people to a future without hope. This isn't a price any of us can afford."
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