**
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that the number of young individuals aged 16 to 24 who are not engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET) has climbed to a staggering 957,000, representing 12.8% of this age group. This statistic emerges amidst a challenging job market, particularly affecting young people due to reductions in opportunities within the hospitality sector and the scaling back of graduate schemes. Although the figures reflect a slight rise from the previous quarter, they are marginally lower—by 0.4%—than the same period last year.
Disparity Between Genders
The ONS report highlights a concerning trend: the increase in NEET figures is predominantly driven by a rise in young women who are out of work. At the end of 2025, 12.2% of young women were classified as NEET, a rise from previous quarters. Conversely, there was a slight decrease in the number of young men in this category during the same time frame.
To classify as NEET, a young person must either be unemployed and actively seeking work or economically inactive, meaning they are not currently looking for a job, waiting to start a new position, or engaged in family care. The statistics indicate that the number of unemployed NEETs surged by 12.3% from the preceding quarter, while economically inactive NEETs saw a decline of 6.6%.
Ongoing Inquiry into Youth Employment
An independent inquiry, led by former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn, is currently underway to investigate the factors contributing to the rising NEET rate among young people. The findings from this inquiry are expected to be released in the summer and aim to address potential shortcomings in educational support, job training, health, and welfare services. Milburn has expressed his commitment to tackling the issue with sensitivity and transparency to uncover systemic failings.
Historically, the highest recorded number of NEETs occurred between July and September 2011, when figures soared to over a million following the 2008 financial crisis. The current trajectory is concerning, as many experts, including those from the Resolution Foundation, urge Chancellor Rachel Reeves to reconsider her Spring Statement approach, which currently lacks policies aimed at addressing youth unemployment. Louise Murphy, a senior economist at the think tank, warned that the UK is “perilously close” to reaching one million young NEETs, stressing the importance of immediate action to avert an entrenched crisis.
Government Initiatives and Challenges
In response to the rising youth unemployment rate, last year saw the introduction of a guarantee for young people who have been out of work or education for 18 months to receive a paid work placement. However, those who decline this offer may face a reduction in their benefits. The government is now facing calls to pause plans to abolish the lower minimum wage for 16- and 17-year-olds, amid concerns that such a move could discourage employers from hiring young workers.
Ben Harrison, Director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, noted the significant challenges facing both youth and government as the number of NEETs remains “stubbornly close to one million.” He cautioned that without decisive action to tackle the root causes of this issue, an increasing number of young people risk becoming long-term unemployed.
The ONS has acknowledged recent criticisms regarding the quality of its data collection, particularly concerning the Labour Force Survey, which is utilised to compile NEET statistics. In response, the ONS is working to enhance the survey’s accuracy, including hiring additional interviewers to boost response rates.
Why it Matters
The rising NEET figures signify a critical issue for the future of the UK’s youth, with potential long-term implications for the economy and society at large. As more young people find themselves disengaged from the workforce and education, the risk of entrenched unemployment grows. Addressing this trend is not merely a policy concern; it is a social imperative. Failure to implement effective strategies now could lead to a generation deprived of opportunities, ultimately impacting the nation’s economic resilience and social cohesion.
