A sizeable proportion of the UK's young population remains outside education, employment and training, with just under one million people classed as NEET — roughly one in eight young people — official figures show.
Scale of the problem
The statistics come as ministers and officials prepare for a major review of policies and programmes aimed at improving outcomes for young people. The numbers underline the scale of the challenge for governments, local authorities and training providers seeking to reconnect young people with learning and the labour market.
Policy implications
Those working in education and employment policy will be watching the review closely as it considers how to reduce youth disengagement and strengthen pathways into work and further study. The NEET rate is often used as an indicator of how well the economy and public services are supporting young people's transitions from school into adult life.
Next steps
The forthcoming review is expected to shape future decisions on funding, training programmes and support services, and the newly published figures will inform debates about priorities and approaches. Policymakers will face choices about how to target resources to bring down the NEET rate and improve long-term prospects for young people.