Ed Balls MP, Labour's Schools Secretary, today welcomed new figures showing record numbers of young people are staying in education or training, but warned that thousands of young people would be abandoned by the Tories.

Figures published today show that the proportion of young people aged 16-18 who are participating in education or training reached 79.7 per cent – the highest ever rate.

Under Labour's September Guarantee every 16 and 17 year old who wants to stay in learning will get a guaranteed and paid for place in school, college, training or an apprenticeship.

But the Conservatives have refused to match the guarantee or the £655m of additional funding announced by the Chancellor in the Budget to allow 55,000 more young people to stay in education this year and next.

Ed Balls MP, Labour’s Schools Secretary, said:

"I'm proud that this government's investment and reforms have resulted in record numbers of young people staying in learning and getting the skills they need to succeed in the future.

"But with today's figures also confirming a more difficult jobs market for young people during the recession, we must do even more in the coming months. That's why our September Guarantee of a place in education, training or an apprenticeship for every 16 and 17 year old who wants one is so important.

"If the Tories want an honest debate about spending, they should explain why they refuse to match our guarantee or our investment in young people. If the Tories were in charge 55,000 young people would be denied a place in learning this year and next year.

"Cutting investment in training and apprenticeships for young people in the middle of a recession is economic madness. Unlike the Tories we won't repeat the mistakes of the past by abandoning a generation of young people."