UNIONS have warned more than £1 billion is needed to support further education, after peers called for urgent action to tackle youth unemployment. 

A report by the House of Lords youth unemployment committee said that changes were needed to the apprenticeship levy and the skills system, along with reforms to careers guidance.

The cross-party panel called for new strategies to tackle discrimination and skills gaps and a young people’s commissioner to champion the voice of those aged 16 to 24.