Latest figures show nearly one million young people classified as NEET, prompting calls for urgent action
Category: Politics
The number of young people in the UK not in education, employment, or training (NEET) has fallen below one million, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The report revealed that during the period from April to June 2026, there were an estimated 981,000 NEET individuals aged 16 to 24, a decrease from 1,012,000 in the previous quarter. This decline, though notable, still leaves the figure 30,000 higher than the same period last year, highlighting persistent challenges in the youth employment sector.
At 13%, the proportion of young people classified as NEET remains among the highest in Europe, raising alarms among policymakers and labor experts. The government has been under increasing pressure to address this issue, which many view as a long-standing crisis affecting the future of the nation’s youth.
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), described the situation as a crisis, stating, "The evidence is crystal clear – good quality employment support, more good training places and a strong growing economy with more vacancies is what we need." His comments echo a growing concern that the current economic climate is failing to provide adequate opportunities for young people.
In a recent report, the Work Foundation at Lancaster University noted a staggering 49% decline in the availability of starter jobs over the past decade. This shortage leaves only one entry-level job available for every three NEET young people nationally, exacerbating the challenges faced by those trying to enter the workforce.
The rise in NEET figures is attributed to several factors, including a reluctance among employers to hire young people, even as the economy shows signs of growth. Recent analysis has indicated that over a third of employers (36%) have reduced the number of entry-level jobs available to individuals aged 16-24 in the last year. This trend has raised concerns about the long-term implications for youth employment.
Adding to these challenges, experts have pointed to the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in industries traditionally reliant on entry-level staff. This shift has led to a reduction in available positions for young workers, as many tasks previously designated for entry-level employees are now being automated.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been a contributing factor, with a rise in mental health issues among young people following prolonged isolation and educational disruption. The combination of these factors has created a precarious environment for young people attempting to transition into the workforce.
In response to the alarming NEET figures, the UK government has commissioned former health minister Alan Milburn to conduct a comprehensive review of education, training, and employment services for young people. Milburn's interim report has already warned of the risk of a "lost generation" due to a "broken system" that fails to provide adequate support and opportunities for youth.
Looking ahead, the government has pledged to invest £2.5 billion in initiatives aimed at creating job opportunities for young people. This includes the introduction of a Jobs Guarantee scheme, which aims to support those most in need, particularly young individuals claiming Universal Credit for an extended period. Work and Pensions Minister Pat McFadden emphasized that tackling youth unemployment is a national priority, stating, "We are determined to turn the tide on the youth unemployment crisis, which has been years in the making."
Milburn's final recommendations, expected in autumn 2026, are anticipated to provide a roadmap for addressing the youth unemployment crisis. His report will likely address how to create more entry-level positions and improve access to vocational training, which many experts believe is necessary to combat the growing skills gap.
Meanwhile, various stakeholders, including business leaders, have voiced their concerns about the rising costs of employment, which they argue hinder their ability to hire young workers. Hannah Larsen, policy manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, noted that nearly half of businesses are facing skills shortages, stating, "The answer isn't simply to tell young people to try harder. Where you live can make a huge difference to your chances, and in too many parts of the country there simply aren't enough suitable first jobs to go around."
As the government prepares to implement reforms based on Milburn's findings, the urgency of the situation matters. With nearly one million young lives on hold, the call for action is louder than ever. Milburn himself remarked, "Young people are desperate for an opportunity to learn or earn. Instead, we’re creating a lost generation. They want to work – they just need a chance." Without effective intervention, the NEET crisis may continue to escalate, potentially affecting 1.25 million young people by 2031 if current trends persist.
The government’s response to these challenges will be closely watched in the coming months, as stakeholders from various sectors advocate for comprehensive solutions to support young people in their transition into the workforce. The upcoming report from Alan Milburn, alongside the government's investment in youth employment, will play a key role in shaping the future of the UK's young workforce.