REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has welcomed a major new Government package to tackle youth unemployment and reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), following his contribution in a debate on the issue.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Bloore (pictured) said businesses and young people in Redditch strongly welcomed the measures announced, describing them as a ‘long overdue’ step change after years of inaction.
He highlighted the UK had fallen behind other OECD countries for more than a decade in reducing NEET levels, pointing to deep-rooted structural challenges in education and public health.
The MP said: “The businesses and young people in my constituency strongly welcome what the Secretary of State has announced today.
“For too long, Britain has fallen behind when it comes to helping young people into work, education or training.
“That is the result of structural failings in education and public health that were simply not addressed.
“Young people in Redditch deserve better and so do our local businesses, who are crying out for skills and talent.”
During the debate, Mr Bloore also challenged opposition claims and underlined the scale of the issue, stressing that meaningful reform was long overdue.
He also pressed Ministers on how young people and employers in Redditch could access and benefit from the new support, ensuring the town was at the forefront of delivery.
The Government’s package aims to reduce the number of NEETs by improving pathways into employment, strengthening skills provision and working more closely with employers to create real opportunities for young people.
Responding in the Chamber, the Secretary of State agreed youth unemployment was a long-term challenge and emphasised the new approach represented a decisive break from the past – with a clear focus on delivering better outcomes and rebuilding opportunity.
He added: “This Government is sending a clear message – we believe in our young people and we are determined to give them a better future.
“Young people in Redditch have huge potential but for too long the system has let too many of them down.
“I’ll be working closely with local schools, colleges, employers and youth organisations to make sure we seize this opportunity – creating real pathways into education, training and good jobs.”
