Youth Unemployment and Education Challenges Among 16- to 24-Year-Olds in the UK
Between July and September, about 946,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 in the UK were neither working nor studying, representing more than one in ten of this age group, often referred to as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). NEETs are predominantly young men and face higher unemployment rates particularly in the North East and East of England. Over half of these young people have a health condition, and approximately one in five has a mental health issue.
Young people in this age bracket are nearly six times more likely to be employed on zero-hours contracts, highlighting the prevalence of insecure work. Several key factors contribute to this situation including rising education costs, a stagnant economy, a labour market that is not absorbing young workers, the lingering effects of the pandemic, and changes in tax and minimum wage policies that have increased costs for employers.
In response, the government has proposed a Youth Guarantee program that would ensure paid work for young people after 18 months of not working or studying. Alan Milburn is set to publish a review on this issue next year, and Pat McFadden will provide further details on the plan. Polls by More in Common illustrate political preferences among young people, with the Greens strongest among young women, and Reform leading among young men without degrees. Both Greens and Reform parties have about 20% support for young men, while Labour leads with 30% among those under 30.
Ministers have acknowledged youth unemployment as a top concern and discussions continue regarding welfare incentives and whether existing policies are sufficiently radical. A youth charity leader commented that while the plight of young people is recognized, meaningful action remains lacking.
