Nearly one million young people in the UK are currently neither in education, employment, nor training (NEET), marking the highest level in over a decade, new data reveals.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 987,000 individuals aged 16-24 were NEET between October and December 2024.
This represents 13.4% of the total population in this age group. The figure has risen by 1.3% compared to the same period in 2023 and has increased by 0.3 percentage points from the previous quarter.
This is the highest number of NEET young people since the period from October to December 2013, when the figure stood at 1.03 million.
Of these, 14.4% (542,000) of young men and 12.3% (445,000) of young women were classified as NEET in late 2024.
Additionally, nearly 400,000 16-24-year-olds were unemployed, a rise of 84,000 from the previous year. Meanwhile, 595,000 were deemed economically inactive.
Russell Hobby, Chief Executive of Teach First, expressed concern over the figures, describing them as “shocking.” He continued, “Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are the hardest hit.
These alarming statistics should serve as a wake-up call across the nation.” Hobby urged the government to increase funding for schools in the most deprived areas to help break the cycle of inequality and open up opportunities for a brighter future.
Paul Nowak, General Secretary of the TUC, emphasised that “every young person deserves a fair start to their working life.”
He attributed the worsening situation to current government policies, which, under the Conservative leadership, have seen more young people falling out of work or training, potentially limiting their future prospects.
Nowak welcomed the government’s recent focus on addressing the issue but warned that with nearly one million young people currently outside of education or employment, the situation remains dire.
Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of the Learning and Work Institute, warned that the rise in NEET figures could signal deeper issues, particularly if economic growth does not improve.
He stressed the importance of introducing a youth guarantee, ensuring that all young people have access to a job, training, or apprenticeship opportunity.
This troubling trend underscores the need for immediate action to support young people, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, in gaining the skills and opportunities they need for a successful future.
