A recent report highlights a significant issue concerning young people in the UK being unemployed or out of education.
- The UK has not improved as quickly as other OECD countries in reducing NEET rates, indicated by a recent analysis.
- Current statistics reveal that 872,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 are not engaged in work, education, or training.
- Many young people identify the labor market as increasingly difficult, with mental health as a notable challenge.
- Apprenticeships are seen as a potential solution, yet participation among UK youth has fallen significantly.
The UK is struggling with a slower pace of improvement in reducing the number of young people not in education, employment, or training, compared to other OECD countries. This is reflected in a report by Youth Futures Foundation that analyzed twenty years of data. It shows that while other countries have reduced their NEET rates by 25% since 2002, the UK’s reduction stands at 19%.
Current data reveals that 872,000 young individuals aged 16 to 24 are neither working nor studying. This marks an increase of about 228,000 from three years ago when NEET rates were at their lowest. This rise highlights a growing concern as it constitutes 13% of the young population.
Young people report significant challenges in the labor market. According to a survey of 2,500 young individuals, 62% believe finding a job is more difficult than it was a decade ago. The primary barriers identified include a lack of skills or training, and low wages in entry-level jobs. Moreover, 31% have mental health conditions that impact their employment prospects, with 85% of these individuals finding it affects their professional functionality.
Apprenticeships are recognized as a viable pathway to address the NEET issue. Nearly 65% of young people view them as a good entry into the labor market. However, the participation in apprenticeships has decreased among youths. Policy recommendations include introducing an Apprenticeship Guarantee for under-24s, providing more intensive support for marginalized youth, and increasing mental health services in schools and communities.
Barry Fletcher, CEO of Youth Futures Foundation, emphasized the need for comprehensive efforts across government and society to tackle these persistent NEET rates. He noted the potential economic benefit, stating, “The prize is great with a potential to add £69bn to the economy if we matched the lowest NEET rate in the OECD.” Jayden, an ambassador from Future Voices Group, voiced concern over the persistent barriers young people face in the job market, particularly from marginalized communities, stating the experience is “incredibly frustrating and disheartening.”
Addressing the UK’s high NEET rates requires substantial, multi-faceted efforts across various sectors.