The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show the continuation of an alarming upward trend in unemployment figures for 16-24-year-olds.
Back in November 2024, when NEET figures rose 8% to 946,000, CEO of Youth Employment UK, Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE DL, said the consistent rise in NEET young people (not in education, employment or training) should act as a warning for us all.
Figures released for October to December 2024 show a further increase with 987,000 16-to 24-year-olds not in work, education or training at that time. To put that into perspective, that’s approximately one out of every eight people in that age group.
Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE DL said “The alarm bells have been ringing for too long, young people and the systems set up to support them are in crises. 1 in 8 young people are NEET today, what clearer signal do we need to take action?
The Youth Guarantee is an ambitious plan, it is one that will take time to achieve and requires our full support. As an organisation, we will support by bringing together our 13 years of expertise, employers members, local and national policy makers and crucially the voices of young people. Our digital service will be a transformational part of the offering.
We have the mandate to build a Youth Guarantee that leaves no one behind and starts today.”
Insights From the Largest Young Person’s Census
Every Year, the Youth Voice Census gathers data from 11-30-year-olds about their lives, education and work. Data taken from the 2024 census showed a strong correlation between those eligible for free school meals and NEET status. 12% of those eligible for free school meals had spent 24+ months NEET compared to 5% of those not eligible.
The data also reflected a correlation between time spent NEET and respondents with additional needs. 13% of those with additional needs had spent 24+ months NEET, in comparison to 4% of those without.
Mental Health and NEET Status
Mental health challenges have been an ongoing economic concern, with thousands of people falling out of work each year due to long-term mental health struggles.
The 2024 Youth Voice Census data revealed that 3 in 5 young people indicated feeling anxious, with feelings of anxiety peaking at key transition points from education to employment.
The employment landscape is complex, and at Youth Employment UK, we make it our mission to understand its complexity to the core. Through Membership, we support employers to align their youth employment strategies with the real issues being faced by young people, helping to ease the transition from education to employment and boost retention in the workplace.
