Given the latest unemployment figures, going to university is one of the few options left open to school leavers. Better going to university that being on the dole !

No absolutely not... if a young person wants to work let them work... educational routes are not for everyone and forcing kids would just be a huge waste on resources...

Better to work with them and see what is best for the individual and have choices of high education, apprenticeships and job placements to help them find what they are looking for.

I agree with Molly, a university education is not the right route for so many jobs. By all means encourage young people to go to university if their career aspirations demand it, but there are also alternatives to studying full time for a degree - either through studying part time with e.g. the Open University or through vocational study, such as to be a chef or accountant