Cheshire East Council has scaled new heights by achieving the third lowest level of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) in the UK.
The council, which has consistently held the best figures across the North West region now sits only behind Harrow London Borough Council and the Council of the Isles of Scilly – which, in comparison, has a very small sample of people to monitor – in national government statistics.
The figures reflect a new government measure combining the Neet figure with what is referred to as the ‘not known’ figure.
Under the new measure, there are only 2.2 per cent of Neets and ‘not known’ young people in Cheshire East. This compares to a national average of six per cent.
The council’s youth support service has been a key part of the success in achieving this record low level of Neet figures. Working closely with colleges, employers and training providers, it has targeted support for those most in need through early intervention, enabling young people to gain the levels of skills and confidence needed to enter the employment market.
Councillor George Hayes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families said: “These new national figures are a great credit to the young people in the borough, who bring so much positive energy to our authority.
“I am also particularly thankful to those officers and partners who aid and promote this success.
“This council’s commitment to give all young people the best start in life together with our drive and ambition will continue to push the economy forward, creating further opportunities both now and for many generations to come.”
Young people must now stay in education, employment or training until they are 18. This means that each council has a responsibility to keep Neet levels low by the provision of youth support programmes.
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