Large numbers of young people are currently not in education, employment and training (NEET). At the same time, employers face persistent skills gaps. But if the barriers that keep talent on the sidelines were removed and routes into construction were clearer, could the skills gap be reduced?
The scale of the challenge
According to the ONS report “Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), UK”, (August 2024):
872,000 young people (16–24) were NEET in April–June 2024, up from 798,000 in April–June 2023.
Men accounted for most of the increase, rising by 69,000 to 493,000.
Within the total, 332,000 were unemployed (‑1,000 year‑on‑year) and 540,000 were economically inactive (+75,000 year‑on‑year).
Ill‑health is now central to the story: The share of NEET young people reporting a health condition has grown markedly, from around 30% in 2012 to around 50% in 2023 (ONS, March 2024).
Place matters: The North-East records the highest NEET rates among 16–24‑year‑olds, while the South-West and London are lowest (ONS “NEET estimates for England”, October 2023)
Early disadvantage compounds risk: Having below Level 2 qualifications almost triples the odds of becoming NEET; disability, poor mental health, early parenthood and school exclusion/low attendance are additional, overlapping risk factors (National Centre for Social Research, “Risk factors for being NEET among young people”, December 2023).
Support exists, but it is fragmented and hard to navigate: Multiple overlapping programmes for NEET young people create a confusing landscape for participants and employers; stable, joined‑up, evidence‑led support is scarce.
Policy direction shows positive intent, but success will depend on delivery: The Government has acknowledged the complex, long‑standing nature of NEET and signalled reforms. For example, proposals associated with the Youth Guarantee include training 1,000 careers advisers, two weeks’ high‑quality work experience for every secondary student, and additional mental‑health professionals.
