CHILDREN are missing out on school trips, holidays and pocket money as parents cut back in the recession, research found.

And one in four 17 to 19-year-olds say they cannot find a job because of the downturn.

It will raise fears that an increasing number of young people are becoming 'Neets' - not in education, employment or training.

The Children's Society poll of more than 1,000 11 to 25-year-olds highlighted the growing impact of the recession.

One in 14 (seven per cent) of children aged 11 to 16 said their mother or father has already lost their job.

One in five (20pc) 11 to 13-year-olds have been told by parents they will not go on holiday this year, while more than a quarter (26pc) said their pocket money has been cut.

And one in 12 children aged 11 to 16 also said their parents can no longer afford to send them on school trips.

Most know what is happening with the economy and many are worried about it, the charity's poll found. Older children are the most affected, with 28pc of 17 to 19-year-olds worried by what they see on the news.

Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of The Children's Society, said: "The results confirm our fears that children are front line victims of the recession.

"This is worrying because our latest report said 22pc of our children already live below the poverty line. This is simply unacceptable and we all must push to end child poverty."

AN M.E.N. survey in Manchester found many young people had been hit - and some had lost their jobs.

Lucy de Lloyd, 16, said: "I have a Saturday job on a market, but I spent months looking for a job. All my friends are looking for work."

Hannah Lawrence, 17, said: "I work in a local pub on Sundays. I worked at a café with a couple of friends, but it closed down."

Elliott O'Rourke, 14, who goes to Stretford Grammar School, said he knew where to spend his money for as long as he could - "I save up for computer games."

Chelsea Stewart, 16, of Priestly College, Warrington, said: "I got chucked out of my old job because of the recession. I worked there over Christmas, but then they didn't ask me back."

Calum Mcloud, 13, said: "I get pocket money for chores and from my Nan. I spend it on going to the cinema and whatever I can afford."

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