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One in six could be NEET by end of the decade, finds IPPR

New analysis of NEET figures by IPPR finds that:

• On current trends, the number of young people who are NEET could rise from around one in eight today to one in six by the end of 2029.
• The recent rise has been driven mainly by young people who are economically inactive — meaning they are not in work and are not currently looking for work — rather than unemployed young people who are actively seeking a job. Three in five NEET young people are inactive, and this group accounts for two-thirds of the increase since 2021. 

Responding to the statistics, Ellie Harris, principal research fellow and head of children and young people at IPPR, said:

“Over 1 million young people being out of work and out of education is a national crisis. Yes, it’s an economic challenge, but it’s also a human tragedy – young people are being blocked from learning new skills, getting their first job and becoming independent. 

“We're wasting a generation’s talent, skill, and potential. We must act urgently, so that young people are supported to live a life of opportunity, that gives them a sense of self-worth.”