Britain is facing growing concern over the number of young people classified as NEET, or not in education, employment or training. Experts warn the country could be heading towards a lost generation unless urgent action is taken.
NEET Numbers Could Surge by 25%
A major review led by former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn has warned that the number of young people outside work and education could rise by 25 percent to 1.25 million by the early 2030s. The findings, due to be published on Thursday and reported by The Guardian, highlight a widening divide between younger and older generations if problems in education, healthcare, welfare and the jobs market are not addressed.
What Does NEET Mean?
NEET stands for Not in Education, Employment or Training. The term describes young people, usually aged between 16 and 24, who are not studying, working or receiving job-related training. Governments and economists use the figure to measure how successfully young people are moving into work. A rise in NEET levels is often linked to economic downturns, poor access to jobs, health problems and gaps in the education system.
Reasons for the Increase
The review links the increase to a combination of fewer entry-level jobs, mental health challenges and economic pressure. According to extracts released ahead of publication, the report says young people are being failed by employers and the government as opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, leisure and retail continue to decline.
Declining Opportunities for First-Time Workers
Openings for first-time workers have reduced sharply in recent years, while apprenticeship starts among young people have fallen by 35 percent over the past decade. The review also points to the decline of the traditional Saturday job, which once helped teenagers gain early work experience and enter the labour market.
Mental Health Concerns
Mental health has become another major concern. Anxiety and depression, combined with long NHS waiting lists, have made it harder for some young people to stay in education or employment.
Employment Costs Deter Hiring
Business groups have warned that higher employment costs are discouraging companies from hiring younger workers. Tina McKenzie, policy chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, told The Guardian that soaring employment costs were a major factor behind the rise in NEET numbers.
Deeper Failures Across Systems
Milburn is expected to argue that the increase reflects deeper failures across education, healthcare and welfare systems rather than a lack of ambition among young people. The warning comes amid higher youth unemployment, worsening mental health problems, pressure on public services and fears over how artificial intelligence could reshape entry-level jobs.
