Youth Unemployment and NEET Challenges in England: Current Trends and Government Response
Between July and September 2025, 946,000 young people aged 16 to 24 in England were neither working nor studying, representing over 10% of this age group. The rates were higher among young men, with regional hotspots identified in the North East and East of England. Around one million young people nationwide are classified as NEET (not in education, employment or training). More than half of these young people have a health condition, and approximately one in five have a mental health condition.
Several factors contribute to the high NEET status, including rising education costs, a stagnant economy, the impact of the pandemic, and tax and minimum wage changes that increase hiring costs. Additionally, ill health and mental health problems have been on the rise among young people. Research shows that 16-to-24-year-olds are nearly six times more likely to be on zero-hours contracts than older workers.
Polling data from More in Common indicates that Greens are the most popular political option among young women. Among individuals under 30, Labour leads overall, with Greens and Reform polling around 20% in some groups. Among young men without degrees, Reform holds the lead.
In response to these challenges, the government plans to implement a Youth Guarantee, which will offer guaranteed paid work placements for young people who have not had a job or been studying for 18 months. Detailed plans are expected to be announced by Pat McFadden. Furthermore, Alan Milburn has been commissioned to conduct a formal review into the drivers of youth unemployment, with findings due in 2026.
Ministers acknowledge that youth unemployment is a critical issue with significant political risk but also presents an opportunity for those who effectively address it.
