More young people in Ipswich are staying on in education or training after their GCSEs thanks to the success of a new allowance, Chris Mole MP said today.

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) was launched by the Labour Government across England in 2004 to support young people from low and middle income families who stay on in full-time education at 16.

Latest figures show that 6,331 young people in Ipswich are getting the allowance this year - up from 5,096 in 2004. Weekly payments of £10, £20 or £30 - depending on family income - are made so long as young people regularly attend their course and work hard. Young people receiving EMA must sign a contract with their school or college - and payments are linked to attendance and behaviour.

Chris said:

"Labour's Education Maintenance Allowances are helping young people across the country to continue learning after their GCSEs. It's really encouraging to see the positive impact EMAs have already have. This year 6,331 young people in Ipswich are getting EMAs, giving them the chance to stay on in education or training so they have more opportunity of getting the job they want in the future.

"From this September, all 16 year olds receiving the EMA will be given a firm guarantee of the minimum level of financial support they would get if they go on to higher education.

"I want to see all young people staying on at school, going to college, getting an apprenticeship or doing some form of training while at work. That's why I'm supporting Labour's plans to increase the education and training age to 18, to give every young person the chance to continue learning and get new skills."

The news comes as independent reports from the Institute of Fiscal Studies and research company RCU show that the EMA has encouraged thousands of young people to stay on in education, who would not have done so without financial support or incentive.

More information about how to claim EMA can be found by visiting www.direct.gov.uk/ema or calling the EMA hotline on 0800 121 8989.