We need a Government that is on the side of young people

David Willetts has described new Government figures showing that more than one in ten 16-18 year olds in England are not engaged in any positive activity as "more evidence that young people are bearing the brunt of the recession".

The Shadow Universities and Skills Secretary said the news that the proportion of young people not in education, employment or training is still rising shows the need for a Government that is "on the side of young people" and added:

"This problem has been getting worse for more than ten years, long before the recession began. Now that times are harder, the problems are becoming more acute."

David also said that the recent break-up of the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills - which was set up to help school leavers into work, university and further education - has "added insult to injury."