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UK Youth NEETs Near One Million Mark
26 Feb
Summary
- Number of young people not in education or work approaches one million.
- 12.8% of 16-24 year olds are classified as NEETs.
- Unemployment rose, driving the increase in NEET figures.
The number of young people in the UK not engaged in employment, education, or training (NEETs) has seen an uptick, nearing the one million mark. Official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported 957,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 in this category for the period between October and December of last year. This represents a rise from the previous quarter's figure of 946,000.
This trend indicates that approximately 12.8% of the 16-24 age group were classified as NEET during that time. The ONS clarified that this data pertains to young people who are unemployed or economically inactive and not in formal education or undergoing apprenticeships. David Freeman, from the ONS labour market division, noted that increased unemployment was the primary driver for this rise. In response, Chancellor Rachel Reeves had previously announced a "youth guarantee" to offer employment opportunities to eligible young people after 18 months out of education.
