ONE IN EIGHT young people in Yorkshire and the Humber who have been in care or on free school meals are not in education, employment or on an apprenticeship, new figures have suggested.

The figure equates to 13 per cent, while for young people in the region who the charity describes as being “better off”, the figure stands at just four per cent (one in 23).

The data also claims that Yorkshire and the Humber has the fifth-highest gap between these two groups of young people – out of nine regions in England.

Nationally, the number of 16-year-olds Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) is at its highest level since 2012.

Nacro is campaigning to remove the barriers for disadvantaged young people by running education and skills centres across the country.

Elise Temple, Director of Education and Skills at Nacro, said: “Despite government promises to level up education and help disadvantaged young people, these statistics show more needs to be done.

“We must introduce a Pupil Premium Plus, giving schools and colleges specific funding for disadvantaged young people.

“This would enable them to tailor help to the pupil’s needs. This is the only way we can truly level the playing field for all pupils and ensure that no young person is left behind.”