British youth unemployment rate falls to record low for 20 years

Figures released on Wednesday showed that the proportion of British young people -- from 16 to 18 years old -- not in education,employment or training is at the lowest level since the past two decades.
The Department for Education said on Wednesday that, by the end of 2013, the number of 16- to 18-year-old NEET (not in education,employment or training) in England was 33,400 fewer than the number in 2012, while the proportion of 16- to 18-year olds NEET is down to 7.6 percent, the lowest rate since comparable records began in 1994.
The department said the number of 16- to 18-year-old NEET has also dropped by more than a quarter since the end of 2009.
"Today's figures show our education reforms are helping to deliver the government's long-term economic plan. More young people are better prepared than ever before for the world of work or further study. That means greater economic security for young people and their families across the country," said Education Secretary Michael Gove.
The department attributed the decline to British government's reform, as well as a package of measures to help young people to fulfill their potential, which includes introducing rigorous curriculum and world-class qualifications for young people, ensuring young people who do poorly in tests could continue studying and also some multi-billion education and training projects.
Official statistics released by Office for National Statistics earlier this month showed that the number of unemployment from February to April was 2.16 million, 161,000 fewer than for November 2013 to January 2014 in Britain.
The office said the total number of people out of work is at its lowest level for more than five years, with youth unemployment, which covers 16 to 24 year olds standing at 853,000.