A LOST generation of one million youngsters are now NEETs - Not in Education, Employment or Training - shocking figures reveal.
Record rises have seen the number rocket over the past 12 months - alarming experts.There were 979,000 16 to 24-year-olds languishing on benefits in the second quarter of this year, up by 107,000 in just 12 months.
The number of 16 to 18-year-old NEETs dipped slightly as more stayed on at school or college.
But policy watchers are horrified at massive increases in 19 to 24-year-olds. There are now 794,000 NEETs in this age group, up by 119,000 - or 18 per cent - in a single year.
Analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research think-tank has revealed this is the biggest annual rise since records began in 2000.
The situation is worst in the North West where one in four 19 to 24-year-olds - or 141,000 young men and women - are classified as NEETs.
Their numbers have shot up by 36 PER CENT in just 12 months.
In the East of England, which has 81,000 NEETs, there was a 27 per cent hike. IPPR associate director Dalia Ben-Galim warned: "These figures confirm that the Government is not doing enough to support young people. While the planned expansion of apprenticeships is welcome, it is clearly not enough."
Shadow education secretary Andy Burnham said: "These figures show that the Tory-led Government is being far too complacent, and risks leaving the next generation behind."
Earlier this week it emerged British bosses are snubbing school leavers in favour of hiring European migrants.
Firms said they were attracted by their "positive attitude and skills".
But education minister John Hayes said: "We're taking action to get our young people into work, helping restore a sense of responsibility and pride in our communities."
Their numbers have shot up by 36 PER CENT in just 12 months.
In the East of England, which has 81,000 NEETs, there was a 27 per cent hike. IPPR associate director Dalia Ben-Galim warned: "These figures confirm that the Government is not doing enough to support young people. While the planned expansion of apprenticeships is welcome, it is clearly not enough."
Shadow education secretary Andy Burnham said: "These figures show that the Tory-led Government is being far too complacent, and risks leaving the next generation behind."
Earlier this week it emerged British bosses are snubbing school leavers in favour of hiring European migrants.
Firms said they were attracted by their "positive attitude and skills".
But education minister John Hayes said: "We're taking action to get our young people into work, helping restore a sense of responsibility and pride in our communities."
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