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New statistics reveal that nearly one million young individuals aged 16 to 24 in the UK remain outside of work, education, or training. According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the number of people classified as Neets — young people not in employment, education, or training — was recorded at 946,000 between July and September. This represents a slight decrease from the previous quarter’s figure of 948,000, but still accounts for approximately one in every eight young people in this age group.
This group has consistently numbered over 900,000 since the start of 2024, with figures reaching an 11-year peak of 987,000 earlier this year. Among these Neets, two categories exist: those actively seeking employment (unemployed) and those not looking for work (economically inactive). The majority, roughly 580,000, fall into the economically inactive group, while 366,000 are actively seeking jobs.
Job opportunities for young people appear increasingly scarce, with recent data showing a decline in vacancies and fewer individuals on payrolls. A significant factor contributing to economic inactivity has been a rise in long-term health issues, particularly mental health challenges, affecting many young people. Research conducted by the Youth Futures Foundation highlights that this rise has been a key driver behind their withdrawal from the labor market over the past three years.
One example is Nathan, a 21-year-old currently classified as Neet who is participating in a six-week employability program in Leeds run by The Spear Programme, a charity dedicated to helping young people develop skills like communication and interview techniques. Nathan credits the course with improving his confidence during job interviews. “I’ve gone into a good few interviews now, not knowing what to say,” he explained. “They help you build your confidence going into interviews, so that you are speaking clearly with a meaning of why you’re there.” Despite having faced exclusion from multiple schools as a child, Nathan is now focused on building a better future, aiming to secure steady employment as a stepping stone toward opening his own gym business. He believes employers should be more willing to give young people opportunities.
The demographic breakdown of Neets has shifted in recent years. Historically, more young women than men were Neet, but data from July to September 2025 shows 512,000 males and 434,000 females in this category. Mental health conditions also play a significant role, with nearly one in five (19.5%) young people within the Neet group diagnosed with such conditions, according to the Department for Education.
Megan Williams, who works at The Spear Programme and has supported Neets for over a decade, notes a rising trend of young people grappling with mental health and social isolation. “A lot of them are struggling to do day-to-day tasks like get out of bed, get washed, get dressed,” she said. “Engaging with work and education feels very far away for a lot of them.” However, she stresses that employers should not overlook young people lacking experience or formal qualifications because “there are really work-ready motivated young people out there.”
In response to these figures, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, announced plans for a “Youth Guarantee” scheme. This initiative aims to ensure young people have access to education, training, apprenticeships, or guaranteed paid employment if they cannot find work. McFadden emphasized the government’s commitment to providing every young person with a fair chance to succeed regardless of their background. Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to provide further details in the upcoming Budget about guaranteed work placements for young people on Universal Credit for extended periods. Those who refuse may risk losing their benefits. Additionally, an independent inquiry led by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn has been launched to investigate the underlying causes of rising youth inactivity, focusing heavily on the impact of mental health and disability.
For context, the highest quarterly total of Neets was recorded in July to September 2011 when numbers exceeded one million, influenced by the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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