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:

“There are now almost one million young people estimated to not be in education, employment or training, risking long-term harm to their career prospects. Problems with the Labour Force Survey mean the data are uncertain, but there does seem to be an upward trend in recent years, particularly for young men. Today’s worrying rise may signal further trouble ahead in the absence of economic growth, and highlights the importance of implementing a Youth Guarantee so all young people are offered a job, training place or apprenticeship.”

Contact our press office

28 May 2026

Responding to the interim report of the Milburn review

L&W chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the interim report from the Milburn review on Thursday 28 May 2026.

Read more

19 May 2026

Labour Market Briefing: May 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 19 May 2026.

Read more

19 May 2026

Labour market dashboard

Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Explore our interactive charts.

Read more

19 May 2026

Labour market stats response, May 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

Read more

1 May 2026

Driving Change in Higher Education

Learning and Work Institute is working in partnership with The Carers Federation with funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to improve the support that young adult carers receive in higher education.

Read more

21 April 2026

Labour Market Briefing: April 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 21 April 2026.

Read more

21 April 2026

Labour market stats response, April 2026

L&W’s chief economist Dr Helen Gray responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

Read more

19 March 2026

Labour Market Briefing: March 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 19 March 2026.

Read more

19 March 2026

Labour market stats response, March 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

Read more