UK's Latest NEET Statistics Indicate Billions in Potential Loss from Unrealized Youthful Talent
In an effort to reduce NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) rates, particularly in areas with higher NEET levels and among disadvantaged youth, the UK government is implementing targeted initiatives. These efforts focus on early identification of at-risk youth, multi-agency collaboration, tailored support plans, and targeted interventions in high-NEET areas.
One such example is Shropshire Council, which reduced its NEET rate to 3%, significantly below the national average of 5.6%, by proactively identifying vulnerable young people early in collaboration with secondary schools and creating clear, actionable plans for post-16 education and training pathways.
Devon's 2025-2030 strategy aims to create 'Brighter Futures' for young people by recognising persistent participation barriers and focusing on groups especially at risk of becoming NEET. West Cheshire, meanwhile, has partnered with Young Enterprise for a 5-year program to address low attendance and provide tailored support that keeps disadvantaged youth engaged and progressing towards employment or education opportunities.
England's overarching strategy aims for the lowest NEET rate in the country by setting clear ambitions and mobilising stakeholders around this goal. These strategic partnerships, combined with local insights, help disadvantaged young people access education, training, and employment more effectively.
John, a success story of these initiatives, found the Spear Programme gave him the strength and energy to find a job. Originally struggling with drink and drugs and seeing no future, John decided to make a change and joined the Spear Programme in Leeds. Today, he works as a caretaker.
If they come from a poorer background, young people are around 130% more likely than the average to be NEET, representing 12.5% of young people, or 1 in 8. Young people with fewer than five GCSEs are 75% more likely to be jobless and not in education than the average. A study by Impetus reveals a postcode lottery across England, with areas in the North of England and the Midlands having a higher risk of NEET rates.
The Spear Programme, run by youth employability charity Resurgo, is currently supporting young people at 17 Spear Centres across England and Wales. The programme has worked with over 11,000 young people facing barriers to work. Of those who complete the Spear Programme, 75% move into education, employment or training and remain there a year later.
Resurgo is launching two new Spear centres in St Helens, Merseyside, and York. Interested individuals can find information about the Spear Programme and apply for a course near them on the Resurgo website.
The UK could potentially add £69 billion to the economy if it replicated the improvements to youth unemployment achieved in the Netherlands. The decrease in NEET rates is due to a decrease of 26,000 young men but an increase of 19,000 young women from the previous year. In the first three months of 2025, there were 923,000 people aged 16-24 neither earning nor learning in the UK.
John, like many others, is a testament to the effectiveness of these targeted initiatives. If you or someone you know is struggling, consider reaching out to local resources or programmes like the Spear Programme for support. Together, we can help disadvantaged young people find their path to employment and a brighter future.
- To address the rising issue of NEET rates among disadvantaged youth, particularly in underserved regions, England is partnering with local councils, schools, and charities like Resurgo to implement targeted education-and-self-development programs such as the Spear Programme, which have demonstrated success in supporting young people to transition into education, employment, or training.
- Amidst the general news that persistent NEET rates continue to impact young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with fewer qualifications, individuals are encouraged to seek help and support from local resources and programs, such as the Spear Programme, to overcome barriers to employment and pave their way towards a brighter future in the realm of politics and public policy.
