Labour Market Data Highlights Concerning Rise in NEET Figures
Today, ONS released labour market data, focusing on those who are not in education, employment or training. Worryingly, this quarter we see a 8% rise, 946,000 young people are NEET, the highest it has been in a decade. To put the rise into perspective, the number of young people not in education, employment or training has increased by over 250,000 in the last three years.
Gender Disparities in NEET Data
The figures also reveal a notable difference between young males and females. Around 15% of young males are currently NEET compared to 11% of young females, a significant gender disparity is emerging in the data. In the last quarter, the number of young males who are NEET went up by 57,000, while for young females it increased by 18,000. This means the increase in young males is three times higher than that of young females.
The Complex Problem Behind NEET Status
Being NEET is more than just a statistic; it’s a complex problem with far-reaching consequences for both individuals and society. The reasons behind this rise are varied—ranging from economic challenges, mental health struggles, and lack of access to quality education or job opportunities, to regional disparities. This year in our Youth Voice Census we heard how complex the backdrop is for our young people and there are a range of factors, often interlinked, impacting their employment opportunities.
Key Insights From the Youth Voice Census
- Mental Health Crisis: 3 in 5 young people indicated feeling anxious, the mental health crisis is real and growing. Anxiety peaks for young people at key transition points, particularly through the education system, and then transitioning into employment.
- Community Disconnection: Young people are feeling less safe where they live with a growing disconnection with local communities. Only half (51%) of young people felt like they belonged.
- Disruption in Education: Disruption in schooling continues and there is a lack of stability – the pandemic still leaving long-lasting impacts and consequently, young people are feeling less ready for their next steps.
- Regional Inequalities: Where you live matters, and there are rising concerns about the lack of local jobs.
The Challenges of Reaching NEET Young People
This group of young people is a big concern since those who are economically inactive are not available and often not getting support to engage with the labour market and are inevitably harder to reach with targeted support. This makes it challenging for policymakers, providers and third-sector organisations to intervene and ensure timely support is provided. This does not mean we should not do anything. Spending time NEET has been shown to have a detrimental effect on both physical and mental health and increases the likelihood of unemployment, low wages and low quality of work later on in life. Being NEET can also have an impact on unhealthy behaviours and involvement in crime.
This NEET data set should act as a warning to what the future may hold for our young people. The complexity and challenges that exist are likely to be exacerbated by economic and political challenges. Whilst change from the Labour party is coming, unless it comes with proper investment, join up and both short and long term planning it will feel like tinkering around the edges.
Here at Youth Employment UK, we understand this complexity and it is our core mission to use our expertise to help tackle these issues and bring together policymakers, employers, educators and young people.
