There is a group of people whose numbers the British Government desperately wants to see dropping. They're mostly in their early 20s, without jobs and not at university. They often wander the streets and are seen as a threat. The Office for National Statistics reported on Dec, 11, 2006 that the number of young people who are not in school and not working or in training in Britain has risen sharply since 1997. Britain now has 1.24 million people aged 15 to 24 who have nothing to do. That's a 15 percent increase over 1997. One in six people in this age group is idle. These people are most likely to be from lower-income families and be supported by their families or the government. Those aver 18 can get a weekly job seeker's allowance of ￡46,69(690 yuan) from the government. This is only enough to cover the basic cost of living. Housing benefits are also available. But for single people under 25, these only cover rent for very cheap accommodation, such as a shared room. So most unemployed young people choose to live with their parents, where they can have a room of their own Some charities or local governments offer free housing for homeless young people as well. Nightstop UK, for example, offers help to young people aged 16--25. However, the housing is often only short-term. British politician Iain Duncan-Smith blames the breakdown of traditional families on the increasing number of unemployed or untrained young people. In Britain today, about one in 10 families are headed by a cohabiting couple, Cohabiting parents are twice as likely to break up as married parents, according to a Conservative Party report. Family breakdown is likely to lead to ignoring a child's education. Poor post-school vocational training programmes are also being criticized. Independent research suggests that some training programmes are a waste of time. The New Deal, a major programme to help the unemployed young, is one example. In 1998, 61 per cent of those leaving the programme could find jobs. That number is now down to 35 per cent. " It, shows a failure of government policy. Even if you put in a large amount of money, if you haven't got the basic policies right, you won't get me results." said politician David Willetts . 60. What does the underlined word "idle" probably mean in the third paragraph? A. engaged B. unemployed C. diligent D. busy 61. How many factors are mentioned in this passage that lead to the increase of unemployment? A. 2 B.3 C. 4 D. 5 62. We can learn from the passage that_______________ A. the allowance from, the government can help those young people to live a comfortable life B. the New Deal is always successful in helping job hunters C. homeless young people depend on local governments for permanent accommodation D. most unemployed young people choose to live with their parents because they can have their own room 63. The best title for this news report might be________________. A. Success of Government Policy B. Vocational Training in Britain C. Jobless Youth Concerns D. Job Hunting Problems |