Responding to the latest ONS figures on young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training), Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said:
“The number of young people not in education, employment or training is estimated to be at its highest level in a decade. The number of NEETs has risen by 150,000 since the pandemic, a 20% rise. Problems with the Labour Force Survey mean we should be cautious in interpreting the data, but it is clear too many young people are not in work or education. We urgently need to tackle this to prevent long-term damage to young people’s career prospects. The Government’s upcoming Youth Guarantee needs to include a step change in apprenticeships, education and help to find work.”
Contact our press office20 January 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.
20 January 2026
Labour Market Briefing: January 2026
Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 20 January 2026.
20 January 2026
Labour market stats response, January 2026
L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.
16 January 2026
From strength to strength: JobsPlus in Toxteth
Reflections from one of our delivery providers for JobsPlus, a new community-led approach to help people find work and boost their earnings. JobsPlus is being piloted on 10 sites across England, following the model’s success in the United States.
13 January 2026
Labour Market Evidence Programme
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has commissioned the Institute for Employment Studies, in partnership with Learning and Work Institute, to deliver evidence reviews and practical resources on key labour market issues to help inform local policymakers.
2 January 2026
Getting neighbourhoods working: over 1,000 people take part in community-led employment support
Over 1,000 people have engaged with JobsPlus, a new community-led approach to finding work and increasing earnings which is being piloted across England from Medway to Merseyside following the model’s success in the United States.
16 December 2025
Labour Market Briefing: December 2025
Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 16 December 2025.
16 December 2025
Responding to Alan Milburn’s investigation into young people not earning or learning
Sam Avanzo Windett, Deputy Director at Learning and Work Institute, responds to the launch of Alan Milburn’s investigation into young people not earning or learning.
16 December 2025
Labour market stats response, December 2025
L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.
