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Today Rachel was delighted to travel to Rotherham in her capacity as Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, to meet up with local Labour MP John Healy and visit U-Explore to learn more about the work they do providing interactive careers guidance for High Schools. Rachel received a first-hand look at how U-Explore is working to ensure that all young people are able to progress into suitable employment and training, regardless of their circumstances, and make informed, educated decisions about their futures.

The visit came after recent figures published showed that over a million young people were out of work in the three months to November. The number of 18 to 24-year-olds in Yorkshire claiming job seekers allowance more than doubled between January and December last year.

John Healey said: "U-Explore is making careers advice exciting and inspiring as well as informative. This is more important than it's ever been because it's tougher than it's ever been for young people to make that step into the world of work from school or college.

"Unemployment has soared to the highest level for a generation and long-term youth unemployment has more than doubled since January last year."

Rachel Reeves added: "It's great that U-Explore is helping young people get on the careers ladder. With unemployment at a 17-year high, they need support now more than ever. I am especially pleased that all the High Schools in Leeds West are using U-Explore, giving students support and inspiration.”

The core U-Explore product - a web-based platform supporting careers and work-related and enterprise learning that has reached over one third of all English secondary schools - was showcased to John and Rachel during their visit.