15. To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment she has made of the causes of changes in the level of youth unemployment in the last 12 months. (304076)

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Romford (Andrew Rosindell).

23. To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment she has made of the reasons for changes in the level of youth unemployment in the last 12 months. (304084)

Rising youth unemployment is one consequence of the global recession.

Unemployment is rising because more people are becoming unemployed in the recession and not because fewer people are leaving unemployment.

Long-term youth unemployment remains significantly below levels seen in previous recessions.