MORE than 1,000 young people across the borough claim unemployment benefit, figures have revealed.

Statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions showed that 1,100 out of 15,068 people aged 16 to 24, who live in the Ipswich borough, claimed Jobseeker’s Allowance in October - more than seven per cent of the area’s population.

Education charity Personal Finance Education Group (PFEG) said the level of youth unemployment is a “stark reminder” of the importance of teaching financial education in schools.

Chief executive Tracey Bleakley said: “School leavers are entering adult life in extremely difficult economic times.

“Too many young people in Ipswich are still struggling to find work - and the truth is that in many cases we are making their problems worse by allowing them to leave school without the skills they need to manage their money well.”

The charity is campaigning for financial education to be included in the national curriculum and taught in every school in the UK.

She added: “Financial education makes a real difference to young people’s lives. “We need to give every young person the skills they need to survive and thrive in our economy - and our free resources and support can help teachers in Ipswich make this a reality for their pupils.”

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer said the figures are a step in the right direction.

“I’m pleased that we are making inroads into youth unemployment,” he added.

“A huge amount of work is being done with youth contracts to help vulnerable young people back into work, apprenticeships and vocational courses in colleges.”