Responding to the latest NEET data, May 2025

Responding to the latest ONS figures on young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training), Stephen Evans, chief executive at Learning and Work Institute, said:

“Over 900,000 young people are not in education, employment or training. While that seems to have stabilised in the last year, it’s up more than one fifth since the pandemic. Our research shows 58% of NEETs have never had a paid job and one half have been NEET for a year or more. Being out of work and education when young can have damaging effects on your career prospects so we need urgent action to implement a Youth Guarantee of education and employment opportunities for all young people.”