A national charity is campaigning for financial education to be taught in Harrow schools as a way of reducing debt among young unemployed people.

New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions show that in October this year 1,900 16 to 24-year-olds in Harrow were claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Charity the Personal Finance Education Group says this is a “stark reminder” of the importance of teaching financial education in schools as the lessons would help equip young people to avoid debt as they hunt for work.

As a result, the education charity, which provides free resources to Harrow schools, is campaigning for financial education to be included in the national curriculum.

This, they say, would prevent Harrow’s young unemployed falling into debt.

Tracey Bleakley, Personal Finance Education Group’s chief executive, said: “School-leavers are entering adult life in extremely difficult economic times. 

“Too many young people in Harrow are still struggling to find work – and the truth is that in many cases we are making their problems worse by allowing them to leave school without the skills they need to manage their money well.

“Budgeting what money you have, understanding how benefits work and avoiding falling into unmanageable debt are just some of the financial skills that are absolutely essential when searching for your first job. 

“Financial education makes a real difference to young people’s lives. 

“We need to give every young person the skills they need to survive and thrive in our economy – and our free resources and support can help teachers in Harrow make this a reality for their pupils.”