The number of young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in employment, education, or training — known as NEETs — has risen above one million in the UK, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The increase has raised concerns about young people becoming disconnected from education and the job market, with an independent review warning of the risk of creating a “lost generation” without urgent support.

What Does NEET Mean?

NEET stands for “Not in Education, Employment or Training.”

A young person is classified as NEET if they are between the ages of 16 and 24 and are not involved in education, work, or skills training.

This includes people who are:

• Unemployed and looking for work
• Economically inactive, meaning they are not currently seeking employment, are waiting to start a job, or may have caring responsibilities
• Not enrolled in formal education, such as school, university, or vocational courses
• Not taking part in training opportunities, including apprenticeships or internships

Why Are NEET Numbers Rising in the UK?

Several factors may be contributing to the increase in young people becoming NEET, including:

Lack of Entry-Level Opportunities

Some young people struggle to find suitable jobs after leaving education, especially as competition for available roles increases.

Skills Mismatch

Employers often report difficulty finding candidates with the skills they need, while some young people lack access to training pathways that connect them with available jobs.

Mental Health Challenges

Rising mental health concerns among young people have also affected their ability to enter or remain in education and employment.

Changing Recruitment Practices

The increased use of automated application systems and AI-based recruitment tools may make it harder for some young applicants to stand out.

Why Does It Matter?

Being NEET for a long period can affect a young person’s future earnings, career development, and overall wellbeing. It can also create wider economic challenges by reducing workforce participation.

Experts say improving access to apprenticeships, career guidance, education, and employment support will be essential to helping more young people build stable futures.