Youth Unemployment and NEET Rates Among 16-24 Year Olds in the UK
Between July and September 2025, 946,000 individuals aged 16-24 in the UK were neither working nor studying, representing more than one in ten of this age group. The rates of disengagement are higher among young men and in regions such as the North East and East of England. Over half of these young people have a health condition, with about one in five reporting a mental health condition. Overall, around one million 16-24-year-olds are classified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training).
Political polling from More in Common reveals that the Green Party is most popular among young women, while Labour leads among under-30s overall. Among young men without degrees, the Reform party leads, with the Greens and Reform tied at about 20% support among young men.
In response to youth unemployment concerns, the government is planning a Youth Guarantee initiative that will offer guaranteed paid work opportunities to young people who have not been in work or study for 18 months. Details of this plan are expected to be announced by Pat McFadden. Additionally, a review on youth unemployment led by Alan Milburn is scheduled for publication next year.
Young people aged 16-24 are nearly six times more likely to be employed on zero-hours contracts compared to the general population. Meanwhile, the broader economy remains flat with rising welfare costs and policy changes affecting youth employment prospects. A Cabinet minister acknowledged that young people often face disadvantages, stating, "it is true young people get a raw deal – and youth unemployment is the number one issue," underscoring the political urgency to address this challenge. However, some commentators warn that current plans may not go far enough.
Wes Streeting has called for a formal review into whether mental health conditions are being over-diagnosed, as rising numbers of young people report health issues as barriers to work.
