Nearly one million young people in UK now outside work or education

Almost one million young people across the UK are not in education, employment or training, according to new figures highlighting the continuing difficulties facing younger workers entering the jobs market.

The Office for National Statistics estimates that 981,000 people aged between 16 and 24 were classified as NEET during the April to June period.

That represents around one in eight young people in the age group.

The total has fallen from more than one million during the first three months of the year, when the proportion reached 13.5%.

However, the latest estimate remains higher than a year earlier.

Around 951,000 young people were classified as NEET during the equivalent period last year, meaning the latest figure represents an increase of approximately 3%.

The ONS has cautioned that estimates involving smaller groups within its labour market statistics can fluctuate and that longer-term trends should be considered rather than placing too much emphasis on individual quarterly movements.

The figures nevertheless underline a significant challenge for the labour market as employers, government and training providers look for ways to help younger people move into sustainable employment.

The year-on-year increase has been driven predominantly by young men.

An estimated 25,000 more men aged 16 to 24 were classified as NEET compared with a year earlier, alongside an increase of around 4,000 among young women.

The figures have been released as the government considers how to tackle economic inactivity and unemployment among younger people.

A review led by former government minister Alan Milburn is examining the issue and is expected to make recommendations later this year.

Its interim findings have highlighted a combination of factors potentially contributing to the problem, including health, educational outcomes, changing routes into employment and social disadvantage.

Young people without GCSE qualifications and those growing up in disadvantaged circumstances can face particularly significant barriers when attempting to enter the workforce.

A lack of previous workplace experience can create an additional obstacle, with some young applicants finding themselves unable to secure the experience employers require because they have not previously been given an opportunity to work.

The government is planning several measures designed to address the problem.

Its Jobs Guarantee is intended to support 90,000 young Universal Credit claimants who have been looking for employment for 18 months.

Under the scheme, funding will be provided for 25 hours of paid employment each week for six months.

Plans have also been announced for 300,000 additional work experience opportunities and 50,000 more youth apprenticeship starts.

Employers can already receive hiring incentives of £3,000 in certain circumstances when recruiting young people who have been unemployed for six months.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the government would consider the recommendations from the Milburn review and take further action where necessary.

The issue has also prompted debate over the cost of employing younger workers and whether businesses need stronger incentives to provide apprenticeships and entry-level positions.

For employers across Cheshire and the wider North West, the challenge comes at a time when many industries continue to report difficulties developing the skilled workforce they will need in future years.

Apprenticeships, vocational training and opportunities to gain genuine workplace experience are therefore likely to remain an important part of efforts to connect young people with businesses seeking new employees.

The next stage of the Milburn review is expected later in 2026 and will set out recommendations for reducing the number of young people outside employment, education and training.

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