Thu, 20 Nov 2025

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 Almost one million young people still not in work or education, figures show

Whilst the figure has dropped slightly, it still equates to one-in-eight young people in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics.

* Almost a million young people (946,000) aged 16-24 are out of work, education or training in the UK.
* The number has fallen slightly from 948,000 in the previous quarter, but is still above 900,000 since early 2024.
* One in eight young people fall into this category.
* The majority (580,000) are economically inactive, while 366,000 are unemployed.
* Long-term sickness and mental health conditions have contributed to economic inactivity among young people.
* A government-backed scheme aims to provide access to paid work, education, and apprenticeships for Neets.
* Employers are encouraged to take chances on young people with less experience or qualifications.
* An independent investigation will be led by Alan Milburn to examine the causes of rising youth inactivity.
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