The Scottish Executive this week responded to the recent ICG Positional Statement on the NEET Strategy. The statement had been formulated following correspondence with members living and working in Scotland. The formal response from the Scottish Executive answered each of the points ICG raised.
· We agree with the point you make about Careers Scotland's success in working with NEET clients not being solely attributed to key worker and recognise the value that their preventative early intervention activities can offer to local authority education services.
· The Scottish Executive is aware of the concerns and views around the current school leaving age arrangements and the issue of winter leavers. We are currently considering the issue and possible ways of addressing it.
· Local Authorities, working with partner agencies, will have the lead on planning and articulating training and support for 16-19 year olds within their areas.
· Employers want young people ready for the world of work. Careers Scotland is strengthening its services to ensure young people have the "employability" skills to get and keep a job. The withdrawal by Careers Scotland on 1 April 2006 of its vacancy handling service coincided with the provision of more targeted services, such as WorkNet and case manager support, for young people aged 16-19. Whilst Careers Scotland has withdrawn from the direct processing and administering of job vacancies it will continue to put young people in touch with the full range of job opportunities available.
· Scottish Enterprise recognises that Get Ready for Work is a key programme for the NEET client group. We are advised that provision for Get Ready to Work will remain at its current level. Detailed decisions on how it will be delivered are operational matters for the Scottish Enterprise Board.
· The Scottish Executive is committed to addressing the root causes which lead to a young person becoming NEET. And, as you comment, the development work within the seven NEET target areas will highlight the contexts within which the strategy must be implemented.
· On your final point, More Choices, More Chances recognises Careers Scotland's three strategic priorities particularly 'reducing economic inactivity among young people'. It does not threaten the provision of an all-age service which Careers Scotland currently provides. | 
