Press release

Large drop in young jobless total in Wales

Stephen Crabb: "These figures show more good progress for the Welsh economy."

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb has welcomed new figures which showed a large drop in the number of young people “not in education, employment or training” (Neet) in Wales.

Latest data from the Office of National Statistics published yesterday (20 January) showed that 9,100 (8.3%) of 16 to 18-year-olds in Wales were “Neet” in September 2014 - down from 12,900 (11.9%) the previous year.

The figures also showed that the number of “Neets” aged 19 to 24-years-old was also down - from 51,300 (21.4%) in September 2013 to 49,000 (19.7%) the following year.

Stephen Crabb said:

These figures show more good progress for the Welsh economy.

They show that more and more young people in Wales are reaching their full potential and are developing the skills to get a good job and the security of a regular wage.

This is part of our long term economic plan to build a skilful and dynamic workforce, get people into work, drive growth and attract investment.

Published 20 January 2015