Getting back to the thread on IDS and benefits .
The number of 16 to 24-year-olds on the dole for more than a year has surged - costing the economy £155m a week, according to a report.
A study found there were more than 25,800 young people claiming unemployment benefit for over 12 months.
This was a 442% increase on the number in 2008, before the financial crisis began, and takes the youth jobless rate to a 16-year high.
Employment minister Chris Grayling
"This is not just a welfare burden - lost productivity and wasted potential directly affect the rate of economic growth in the UK.
"It's crucial for the economy that young people have the skills and confidence they need to find work and view entrepreneurship as a realistic option."
Young people with fewer qualifications were hardest hit by the recession, adding to the debate on the proposed university tuition fee hike.
As I said in an earlier reply . "It all starts at school !. It is crucial for young people today , to get the best education that they can.
Also as the minister said .... " to have the skills"
Frank Field's Report
"A healthy pregnancy, positive but authoritative parenting, high quality childcare, a positive approach to learning at home and an improvement in parents' qualifications, can … trump class background and parental income."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/dec/03/frank-field-welfare-sacred-cows
