One in eight young people still out of work or education ahead of major review
Just under one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training – or "Neet". This is approximately one in eight individuals aged 16 to 24, according to data published prior to a significant report on a potential "lost generation."
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that between April and June, 981,000 young people fell into the Neet category. This represents a slight decrease from the initial three months of the year when it stood at over one million (13.5% of the total population in the specified age group). However, it marks a 3% increase compared to the same period last year, with 951,000 Neets then.
These estimates are derived from sample data, and the ONS notes that such smaller groups can exhibit greater variability, leading to fluctuations between quarters. As such, it is advisable to focus on long-term trends rather than short-term changes.
Asia Mason, a 22-year-old from London, recounts her struggle to secure employment after completing college with a health and social care qualification. Despite applying for over 30 jobs, she frequently encountered rejections due to perceived lack of experience.
"I remember thinking, ‘How am I supposed to get experience if nobody is willing to give me the opportunity to gain it?’" Mason shares.
Eventually, she secured her first NHS role through a social care program run by The King’s Trust charity, which helped her build both experience and confidence.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden acknowledged the "long-term challenge" facing young people in the UK labour market. He expressed anticipation for recommendations from former minister Alan Milburn, whose report is expected to offer solutions to this issue in the coming weeks.
McFadden emphasized the government’s commitment, stating, "We’ll have proposals, legislation, if necessary, to take those forward." This includes initiatives such as the Jobs Guarantee scheme, which aims to support 90,000 young people over three years by providing 25 hours of paid work weekly for half a year. Additionally, plans involve 300,000 more work experience placements and 50,000 youth apprenticeship starts, along with incentives for employers hiring long-term unemployed individuals.
