NEARLY one in four young people in some areas have been left with nothing to do as Government cuts bite, a report has revealed.

The Work Foundation think-tank has pinpointed those parts of the country with the highest proportion of NEETs – 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training.

Topping the list of blackspots – with almost 25% of young people fitting the criteria – are Grimsby, Doncaster, Warrington and Wigan. Blackpool, Barnsley and Swansea also feature in the top 10.

At the other end of the scale, Oxford, Aberdeen and York all have fewer than 10% out of work and not in college.

The report says young people have been hit hard by the downturn, with fewer "entry level" jobs available.

Those who stay in education are also finding it tough, with many graduates unable to get work, and experts warn the number of jobless young people is set to break the one million barrier.

Report author Neil Lee said: "The number of young people who are NEET is one of the UK's most serious social problems.

"Being out of education, employment or training can have major ramifications, including long-term reductions in wages and increased chances of unemployment later in life."

The report calls for a "NEET task force" to tackle the problem, increased apprenticeships and action to help those stuck on benefits.