The number of jobless young people on Oxford’s estates has prompted fresh action from city councillors.

A special committee has been set up to tackle the issue and will meet for the first time on Monday.

The supporting young people into education, training and work select committee will discuss how to help young people in Blackbird Leys, Barton and Sandhills and Northfield, which figures show are the worst hit by youth unemployment.

The areas have the highest number of people aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training (Neets) and on benefit.

Councillor Mohammed Altaf-Khan, a lead member of the select committee, said: “We have invited a few community members and some of the youths from Oxford Spires Academy to speak to us.

“They will tell us what they see in the community and what they see on youth unemployment.”

Official figures show the number of young people aged between 18 and 24 claiming job seeker’s allowance for more than six months in the Oxford East constituency rose from 80 in January last year to 110 in January this year.

Its highest point was 130 in September 2011.

Labour city councillor Ed Turner said: “This is very sad news, and matches my own experience talking to local young people and their families about how hard it is to find a job.

In addition, more people are working just part-time when they would like to be working full-time.

“We are looking to create some new apprenticeships for youngsters, and also to focus on raising educational attainment, which should help in the longer run”.

In a report to go before the committee on Monday, it was revealed there are 50 Neets in Blackbird Leys and 75 on Jobseeker’s Allowance aged 18 to 24.

The figures were 51 and 55 in Barton and Sandhills and 52 and 60 in the Northfield Brook city council ward.

In Oxford West and Abingdon the figure also rose – from 25 in January 2011 to 40 in January this year.

A council report says the city overall has low Neet levels – less than 10 per cent – compared to some areas of the country.

The authority is investigating how it and other groups can help get young people into education, training and employment.

It will particularly look at African Caribbean and Pakistani youngsters.

The number of young people out of work for more than six months and claiming job seeker’s allowance has also risen across the county.