HC Deb 14 March 1980 vol 980 cc770-1W
Mr. Cormack

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many of those due to leave school in the summer of 1980 will be aged (a) 18 years plus, (b) 17 years plus, (c) 16 years plus; and what is the latest estimate in each age group of those who will be seeking to enter full-time employment.

Dr. Boyson

The available estimates relating to school leavers in the current academic year are as follows:

(thousands)
All leavers:
Aged 16 599
Aged 17 77
Aged 18 144
Total 820
Available for Employment:
Aged 16 519
Aged 17 61
Aged 18 58
Total 638

Note: Ages at end of academic year.

Of the total 820,000—all ages—leaving in 1979–80 some 740,000 are likely to be leaving in the summer term; 570,000 of these would be available for employment.