Jobless figures don’t include NEETs
Following two reports lately concerning the encouraging jobless figures, I should like to point out that unemployed 16 and 17-year-olds are not entitled to claim JSA nor any other type of benefit unless they are in dire and extreme need.
Therefore, these young people do not form a percentage of those unemployed and claiming JSA. Furthermore, nobody knows how many of this age-group are unemployed and seeking work unless they register with the Connexions service, which not all do.
I do not know whether Connexions’ figures are added to the jobless total, but if so, this group will be termed NEETs (not in employment, education or training). - Sarah Hall , via email.