
Towards full employment
How the UK can increase employment by widening opportunity
Latest labour market figures show that nine million people (21.6% of the working age population) are economically inactive, up by about 500,000 since the March 2020. This group mostly comprises the over 50s, people with caring responsibilities, people with long-term health conditions or disabilities and students. Refugees and some minority ethnic groups are also over-represented among people who are economically inactive.
Some 1.64 million economically inactive people say they want a job. Increasing levels of economic inactivity and labour shortages have prompted a DWP-led review of economic inactivity which will report in early 2023.
At our online event on 15 December, we will welcome a panel of speakers to discuss what we know about people who are economically inactive, what is needed to help workforce participation, and the future of employment support.
How the UK can increase employment by widening opportunity
We produce analysis of the latest labour market statistics, setting out what they mean for the world of work with an emphasis on people who face disadvantage.
This report investigates the characteristics, circumstances and challenges faced by young people who are NEET - both those who are economically inactive and those who are seeking employment, but have been unable to secure jobs.