As of now, nearly one million young individuals in the UK are reported to be neither in education, employment, nor training (NEET). This situation has coincided with employers freezing hiring plans, contributing to a rise in unemployment, which has reached a four-year high of 4.8%, up from 4.1% the previous year. A total of approximately 100,000 jobs have been lost in the past year, and more than 9 million working-age adults are classified as economically inactive.
In addition to these statistics, there are notable increases in youth unemployment and health-related job restrictions. For example, research indicates that more than a quarter of young people aged 16-24 who are NEET cite ill health or disability as their primary reason. This figure has more than doubled since 2005, highlighting a concerning trend among younger demographics. The increase in individuals with work-limiting health conditions has been particularly significant among those aged 16 to 34, with a rise of 1.2 million, or 77%, over the past decade.
This week, the government is anticipated to discuss these issues further. Sir Charlie Mayfield, former chair of John Lewis, is expected to release a review suggesting that businesses need to enhance support for individuals facing work-limiting health conditions. He emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health issues.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also highlighted that unemployment among individuals with disabilities has reached its highest level since before the COVID-19 pandemic, standing at more than double that of their non-disabled counterparts.
The upcoming budget, which will include proposals for a “youth guarantee” and investments in skills and training, will likely address these challenges. However, business leaders have expressed concerns about their capacity to contribute more, particularly in light of increased living costs and economic pressures.
With the job market experiencing additional challenges, particularly in sectors like retail and hospitality—which are typically entry points for young and vulnerable job seekers—questions arise about how best to facilitate re-entry into the workforce for these populations.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/02/young-people-job-training-jobless-britain-problem