Last Thursday, the Office for National Statistics released its latest quarterly estimate concerning 16- to 24-year-olds classified as Neets—individuals not engaged in education, employment, or training. The reported figure indicates approximately 946,000 young people in this category, sparking discussions among experts who caution that the data may not be entirely reliable. However, there is widespread consensus on the significant challenges these numbers reveal, emphasizing systemic issues faced by many young individuals.
In response to these findings, the government has initiated a review led by Alan Milburn, with a focus on the impacts of disability and mental health on youth employment. Additionally, Rachel Reeves is expected to address the Neet situation in her upcoming budget. Public sentiment, as reflected in media discourse, has sometimes focused on the negative stereotypes of young people receiving state support.
Roman Dibden, the CEO of the employment charity Rise Up, discussed the challenges he encounters while supporting young individuals who are often transitioning into economic inactivity due to mental or physical health issues. He noted that many young people feel disillusioned after facing numerous job rejections, which contributes to a lack of confidence and reluctance to engage with the job market.
The job market itself appears to be increasingly inhospitable for young individuals, with significant job losses reported, particularly among those under 25. A recent analysis suggests that this group has faced drastic job cuts, amplifying fears of economic instability. Policy initiatives aimed at providing opportunities, such as the proposed “youth guarantee,” may face challenges due to the conditional nature of benefits, potentially exacerbating young people’s insecurities.
Experts from the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the Resolution Foundation highlight that addressing the Neet crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on educational systems and the broader economic landscape. The advent of AI in hiring processes further complicates prospects for entry-level positions traditionally held by younger workers, raising concerns about the future employment landscape for this demographic.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/23/million-young-people-work-uk-hidden-jobs-crisis-covid-ai-britain-neets