Department for Education figures show Barnet has the fourth lowest number of NEETs in the country.
NEETs – 16-18 year olds Not in Education Employment or Training – now make up 2.3% of the total in that age group in the borough, compared to 3.5% this time last year.
Barnet’s NEET numbers are now the fourth lowest in England and second lowest in London.
Barnet Council say their success in bringing down the figures is mainly attributed to their work in contacting every NEET in their borough by telephone, text message, email or letter, and then following up with a visit to see how they are progressing and offer support if required.
The councilsay their Platforms programme, which offers a range of schemes including apprenticeships, internships and employability support courses, has also proved successful in offering employment and training support for young people aged 16 to 24.
Councillor Reuben Thompstone, Chairman for the Children, Education, Libraries and Safeguarding Committee, said: “Our Platforms programme has already proved successful in helping hundreds of young people get a foothold into the world of work.”
