AN Oxford University professor says young people in Britain are discriminated against in ways that would be illegal with other groups.

In an article in the New Statesman, geography professor Danny Dorling says the treatment given to youngsters would not be tolerated if it was given to people on the basis of race, religion, gender or disability.

In it, he says: “Young people can be paid a lower minimum wage if in work, and a much lower wage if they are an apprentice.

“If aged under 30 and on low pay or no pay, a young person receives fewer housing benefits than would someone in the identical position, but aged 30 or over.

“However, the greatest recent take from the young has been based on exploiting their gullibility, hope and optimism: university fees.”