Drop out rate of Pakistani and Bangladeshi teens doubles - Teather

5.50.48pm GMT Wed 29th Nov 2006

Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Sarah Teather MP

The proportion of Pakistani and Bangladeshi 18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training has more than doubled in two years, according to Liberal Democrat analysis of new statistics released yesterday.

The new statistics show:

• 17% of Pakistani and Bangladeshi 18 year olds are not in education, employment or training (NEET)

• 19% (one in five) of those who truanted when at school end up in the NEET group

• 29% (more than a quarter) of all 18 year olds who have a disability or a health problem are in the NEET group

Commenting on the statistics, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Sarah Teather MP said "We have to be more proactive at helping these young people who are falling through the net.

"Early signs like truanting and underachievement have to be acted on immediately so that every young person is encouraged to fulfil their potential.

"Funding needs to be targeted directly at individual pupils who are at risk and delivered quickly to their schools. We can't give up on those young people who don't hit government targets at 15, or we risk condemning them to life in a permanent underclass.

"Those people who don't have a job or aren't in education or training aren't engaged in society. If you don't have a stake in society, you're much more likely to get involved in anti-social behaviour.

"This highlights a serious need for the Government to engage with the Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities about fostering aspiration among their young people. This trend must be tackled now if we are to avoid a worsening of community cohesion in the future."