School leavers left looking for work

This was up from 70 in 2005/6 and 51 in 2006/7 despite the fact that there were fewer school leavers in total in Londonderry last year.

The total number of school leavers unemployed and not in further or higher education six months after leaving school in the Derry City Council area was higher than anywhere apart from Belfast.

In Strabane the total number of school leavers still without an occupation after six months rose from 13 in 2005/6 to 14 in 2006/7 and 19 in 2007/8. In Limavady the total number decreased from 13 in 2005/6 to 11 in 2006/7 and 9 in 2007/8.

In Belfast - where there are almost twice as many school leavers as in Londonderry - the total amount of rose from 188 in 2005/6 to 222 in 2006/7 and back to 2007/8.

Education Minister Caitrona Ruane revealed the data in answer to a written question tabled at the Stormont Assembly.