Responding to the new report of the Keep Britain Working Review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, Elizabeth Gerard, Deputy Director at Learning and Work Institute (L&W), said:

“The Keep Britain Working Review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, has reiterated the significant challenge of economic inactivity in the UK, and the potential prize of breaking down barriers to opportunity for young people. The scale of action required is highlighted in new data today showing one in four young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) are economically inactive due to sickness. Our research indicates poor mental health is a key driver. Further analysis from L&W published in early April will help to inform delivery of the Youth Guarantee and partnership between Government and employers to support young people across the UK.”

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21 April 2026

Labour Market Briefing: April 2026

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

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21 April 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.

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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.

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1 April 2026

Supporting the progression of low-income workers in Scotland

With funding from the Robertson Trust, Learning and Work Institute has been working in partnership with Edinburgh College to develop a pilot to support low-income workers in Scotland to progress into better jobs.

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1 April 2026

Final report: Supporting the progression of low-income workers in Scotland

This report shares findings from the second phase of our programme of work funded by the Robertson Trust and delivered in partnership with Edinburgh College. It sets out a proposed model for a new, evidence-led, in-work progression programme in Edinburgh.

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19 March 2026

Labour Market Briefing: March 2026

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

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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.

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17 March 2026

There’s one million NEETs in the UK. Are we doing enough?

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute, reflects on the Government’s expansion of the Youth Guarantee and if support is going far enough to help young people into work or training.

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17 March 2026

Beyond the headline: What emerging qualitative insights tell us about supporting young people into work

Iona McArdle, L&W’s JobsPlus Programme Manager, shares some emerging insights from the JobsPlus evaluation on young people’s experiences of being not in education, employment or training (NEET).

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