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This House of Commons Library briefing provides an in-depth overview of the UK’s NEET population, young people aged 16 – 24 who are not in education, employment or training.
As of July – September 2025, 946,000 young people (12.7%) were NEET, with rates nearing their highest level since 2014.
The report highlights that 61% of NEET young people are economically inactive, often due to long term sickness, disability or caring responsibilities, while 39% are unemployed.
Men are now more likely to be NEET than women, partly due to rising male inactivity linked to ill health.
Drawing on surveys and research, the report outlines key risk factors, including disability, low qualifications, mental health conditions, and experience of care or persistent school absence. It also compares UK NEET rates internationally, showing the UK sits above the OECD average.
The briefing summarises a wide range of government policies aimed at reducing NEET rates, from the Youth Guarantee, apprenticeships and foundation apprenticeships to skills bootcamps, bursaries, and employment support programmes such as the Restart scheme, SWAPs, and Jobcentre Plus youth services.
It notes a new independent investigation launched in 2025 to understand rising youth inactivity, with a focus on mental health and disability.
