The economically active youth population is increasing at half the rate of the overall economically active population and roughly six in 10 young people who are unemployed have not worked for more than a year‚ the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) revealed on Tuesday. According to statement released by the IRR‚ lead analyst Unathi Matwasa said that the Not in Employment‚ Education or Training (NEET) figure for 23-year-olds in South Africa is at 55%. “The NEET figure is the single most important indicator of the circumstances of young people. “For people aged 28‚ it is 48%. “For those aged 18‚ it is 15.9% (this figure is low because many in that age group are still in school). “Without doubt however‚ these are alarming facts‚” Matwasa said. The IRR statement added that between 2001 and 2015‚ total employment increased by 25.3% but that of young people increased by only 13.4%. “Roughly six in 10 young people who are unemployed have not worked for more than a year.“Only half of children who enrol in Grade 1 can expect to reach Grade 12. “Also‚ poverty does matter in education - children in poor schools show significantly worse mathematics results than those in more affluent ones‚” the statement read. - TMG Digital..