Uptick in young people out of work, training and education

"Official estimates are that 957,000 people aged 16 to 24 were Neet in October to December 2025, or 12.8% of that age group. The UK is experiencing a weak jobs market, with young people particularly affected by cuts in hospitality and graduate schemes."

"A young person is considered Neet if they are unemployed (looking for work) or economically inactive (not actively looking for work and not waiting to start a job or caring for family). Someone in formal education, such as school or university, doing an apprenticeship or vocational course, is not considered to be Neet."

"Last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that young people who have been out of a job or education for 18 months will be offered a guaranteed paid work placement. Those who do not to take up the offer could face being stripped of their benefits."

The UK's Neet population has reached 957,000 young people aged 16-24, comprising 12.8% of that demographic. This represents a slight increase from the previous quarter, with more young people actively seeking work in the final three months of 2025. The weak jobs market disproportionately affects young people, particularly through reductions in hospitality positions and graduate recruitment schemes. Young people are classified as Neet if unemployed and job-seeking or economically inactive without actively searching for work. Those in formal education, apprenticeships, or vocational training are excluded from this classification. The government has introduced a policy requiring young people unemployed or out of education for 18 months to accept guaranteed paid work placements or face benefit reductions.

Read at www.bbc.com