Improve on education, employment and training performance, says Danczuk

Rochdale Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Simon Danczuk

Latest figures show that 77 per cent of 16-18 year olds are in education, employment or training in Rochdale and although this figure is an improvement on figures from recent years, Rochdale's Labour Parliamentary candidate wants the town to improve its performance as it is lagging behind other parts of the North West.

Simon Danczuk, has called on all political parties in Rochdale to commit to encouraging young people to participate in education and work based learning.

New figures reveal that a record 1.6 million young people aged 16 to 18 are now taking part in education, work or training. However, Rochdale has one of the worst records in the North West, with only St Helens, Salford and Tameside having lower 16-18 year old participation figures.

84 per cent of young people in Liverpool, 83 per cent in Bolton and 86 per cent in Manchester, are partaking in education, work or training.

“We need to do a lot more,” argued Mr Danczuk. “All politicians in Rochdale should be working hard to get social mobility moving and encouraging young people to better themselves is the best way of helping Rochdale start to realise its full potential.

“If young people in Rochdale are to have the best chance of getting on in life then I think we really need to encourage them to take up opportunities in education and training. Otherwise, I’m afraid Rochdale will be guilty of failing the next generation.”