FEWER young people are gaining work experience while they are in full-time education, according to a new study.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) think-tank also said half of all unemployed young people who are not in education have never had a job.

The study, published ahead of the latest unemployment figures, showed three-quarters of young people over 16 in all levels of education do not have a job.

The analysis of official figures revealed that since 1998 the number of 16 to 24-year-olds who have never had a job has almost doubled to 640,000.

Spencer Thompson, economic analyst at the IPPR, said: "Gaining experience of the world of work while studying is vital for the future job chances of young people, but fewer and fewer young people are working while learning.

"These findings show the need for a job guarantee for young people, paid at least the minimum wage, to provide them with experience. By having job experience when they leave full-time education, young people will be at a much-needed advantage when entering the jobs market.

"This would also ensure those who cannot afford to participate in unpaid work experience placements are not at a disadvantage."