Malcolm Wicks wants fewer young people to drop out of education at the age of 16

Illustrating the type of job opportunities available to early school leavers, Kevin stood on Oxford Street in London carrying a placard reading "tragic".

"It's much cooler to leave school. You get to stand on streets with signs and you get paid. If I do this for five days I can afford a cv," said Harry Enfield's Kevin.

Although often difficult to stir from a sloth of teenage indolence, Kevin was unusually busy on Thursday.

As well as launching Kevin's Crew and the "Don't Quit Now" campaign for the Department for Education and Employment, Kevin also spearheaded a campaign launched by the Samaritans to help young people cope with exam result stress.

Unemployed

The Don't Quit Now campaign is aimed at 16 year olds who will be receiving their GCSE results in the next few weeks, in an attempt to encourage more of them to stay at school or to find courses in further education.

"Thousands of young people will get their GCSE results in the next fortnight. Many will do very well. Some will do less well, and as a result will consider dropping out of education or training altogether," said Education Minister Malcolm Wicks.

"But dropping out of education between 16 and 18 often leads to unemployment later in life or dead-end jobs. And there can be other consequences such as poorer health or teenage pregnancy.

"It is vital that we persuade young people not to quit learning after leaving school.

The campaign will have radio and television advertising, a helpline - 0845 608 6087 - and a dedicated website