The number of young people in the UK not in employment, education or training (NEET) fell below one million between April and June 2026, according to new official figures.
A total of 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 were classified as NEET during the period, down from 1.011 million in the previous quarter.
The latest figure represents 13.0% of the age group, compared with 13.5% between January and March, when the number of young people classified as NEET reached its highest level since 2013.
Despite the decline, youth economic inactivity remains a concern, with the latest figure still 30,000 higher than the level recorded a year earlier.
Work and Pensions Minister Pat McFadden said the figures underline the need for continued efforts to tackle youth inactivity, including expanding work experience opportunities for people who have been out of employment for extended periods.
Concerns over young people remaining outside work and education were also highlighted in a report published in May by former minister Alan Milburn.
Milburn warned that Britain could face a “lost generation” of young people outside employment and education. His report argued that the welfare system had contributed to rising inactivity while also pointing to a decline in entry-level opportunities for people with low and medium skills.
The report also highlighted the loss of traditional part-time jobs, which have historically provided young people with early work experience and a route into the labour market.
Meanwhile, research by Lancaster University’s Work Foundation found that almost half of medium-sized and large businesses had fewer vacancies available to young people than they did a year earlier.
The research identified the growing use of artificial intelligence and automation as factors reshaping employment opportunities for younger workers.
The Confederation of British Industry has also raised concerns that higher employment taxes could reduce businesses’ willingness to recruit, potentially limiting opportunities for young people entering the workforce.
Goodness Anunobi
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