Just under one million young people across the UK are not engaged in education, employment or training—a category known as Neet—according to statistics released ahead of a comprehensive government review into youth joblessness and what officials have termed a "lost generation".
Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that 981,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 fell into the Neet category during the period from April through June, representing approximately one in eight people within that age bracket. This figure marks a decline from the first quarter of the year, when the total exceeded one million, or 13.5% of the 16 to 24 age group. However, the April-to-June figure represents a 3% increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year, when 951,000 young people were classified as Neet.
The statistics carry particular weight as they precede the final phase of a major independent review commissioned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in November 2025 and led by former minister Alan Milburn. That review, which examined systemic failures across schools, health, welfare and the labour market, is expected to deliver its full recommendations and proposed solutions within the coming weeks.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated that the government would carefully consider the forthcoming recommendations.
We'll have proposals, legislation, if necessary, to take those forward,he said during a visit to a Boots store in Nottingham where young people had begun work through a pilot of the government's Jobs Guarantee scheme.
The interim phase of Milburn's review, published in May 2026, painted a stark picture of the challenge facing young people in Britain. According to analysis of the interim findings, the annual economic cost of nearly one million Neet young people stands at £125 billion. The 217-page report described the situation as a "record of failure" and warned that without urgent intervention, Neet numbers could rise to 1.25 million by the early 2030s.
Who is most affected?
The rise in Neet numbers between April and June compared to the same quarter last year was driven predominantly by an increase among young men, with an estimated 25,000 additional men classified as Neet alongside a further 4,000 young women. The interim review identified the reasons for this gender disparity as "complex", but attributed it partly to rising health issues, the "erosion of traditional employment routes" and a "growing gap in educational outcomes".
Certain groups face disproportionately high rates of Neet status. Young people with special educational needs or disabilities, those without GCSE-level qualifications, and young people from Black, African and Caribbean backgrounds experience elevated rates of joblessness and disconnection from education. The review emphasised that
the Neet problem is grounded in social disadvantage, highlighting structural barriers rather than individual failings.
According to the interim report's analysis, six in ten young people classified as Neet are not actively seeking work, and a similar proportion have never held a job. Young jobseekers who do pursue opportunities report submitting dozens, sometimes hundreds of applications, only to face repeated rejection as the norm.
What barriers do young people face?
Asia Mason, a 22-year-old from London, spent more than two years submitting job applications before securing her first role within the NHS. After completing college with a qualification in health and social care, Mason had hoped to work in maternity services. She applied for more than 30 positions but encountered a consistent barrier: employers insisted she lacked practical experience.
I remember thinking, 'How am I supposed to get experience if nobody is willing to give me the opportunity to gain it?'Mason recalls. Her breakthrough came after completing a social care programme delivered by The King's Trust charity, which provided her with both hands-on experience and the confidence needed to succeed in interviews. She now works toward her ambition of becoming a midwife.
Mason's experience reflects a broader pattern documented in recent research. Last week, analysis revealed that competition for degree apprenticeships in England through the government's "find an apprenticeship" service has quadrupled over the past three years, intensifying pressure on young people seeking structured pathways into employment.
What government support is available?
The Jobs Guarantee scheme, which McFadden highlighted during his Nottingham visit, represents one element of the government's response. Over a three-year period, the scheme aims to support 90,000 young people who have been claiming Universal Credit and actively seeking work for at least 18 months. Participants receive 25 hours of paid work each week for six months.
Beyond this initiative, the government has announced plans to create 300,000 additional work experience placements and 50,000 more youth apprenticeship starts. The administration has also rolled out £3,000 hiring incentives for employers who recruit young people who have been out of work for six months or longer.
McFadden acknowledged that while the UK labour market remained "in a robust position", young people faced a "long-term challenge" requiring sustained policy attention and intervention.
What does the data tell us?
The ONS cautions that its estimates derive from a sample of households rather than a complete census. When examining smaller population subsets such as Neets, the statistics agency notes that results carry greater "variability", which can account for small fluctuations from quarter to quarter. For this reason, analysts recommend focusing on long-term trends rather than interpreting individual quarterly changes as definitive signals.
The interim Milburn review warned that
one in six young people would be out of work in five years without action, adding: "We are at risk of a lost generation."This projection underscores the urgency officials attach to implementing solutions before the situation deteriorates further.
What happens next?
The final phase of Milburn's review, including detailed recommendations for tackling youth unemployment and disconnection from education, is expected to arrive in autumn 2026. According to government statements on the review timeline, ministers have committed to considering proposals and introducing legislation if necessary once those recommendations are delivered. McFadden indicated the government stood ready to act swiftly on the review's findings.
