Record numbers of young people are not in education, employment or training (Neets), government figures reveal today.

The latest report from the Department for Children, Schools and Families show that a shocking one in six adults aged 18 to 24 in England are Neets. What’s more the figures, for the second quarter of this year, reveal that there are 835,000 Neets – 100,000 more than this time last year.

It is understood that the increase in number of unskilled youngsters has been fuelled by both the recession and a shortage of jobs for young people.

Commenting on the figures, Susan Anderson, director of education and skills policy at the CBI said: "The number of 18 to 24-year-olds not in employment, education or training has risen to record levels, and will continue to rise. "We know from the 1980s recession that unemployment scars the lives of young people - so they need our support. This can include apprenticeships, internships or volunteering opportunities."

However, minister for 14- to 19-year-olds, Iain Wright, has warned not to take the figures too seriously adding that "It's important to remember that these figures are seasonal estimates and fluctuate throughout the year.”