New official data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that 981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 were not in employment, education, or training (Neet) between April and June 2024, a figure that has risen by 30,000 since the same period last year. The data, released on [date], marks a 3% increase in Neet status compared to the previous year, with the rise primarily driven by young men.
The latest statistics follow warnings from former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn, who has led a government-commissioned review into youth economic inactivity. Milburn described the scale of young people not in education or employment as a ‘scar on this country’, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention to prevent the figure from reaching 1.25 million by the early 2030s.
Government and Opposition Responses
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated that the government is ‘determined to turn the tide’ on youth unemployment, though no specific policy changes were announced in response to the latest data. The Conservative Party, meanwhile, attributed the rise in Neet numbers to Labour’s policies, claiming that ‘taxes that affect employers’ ability to hire’ have ‘destroyed job opportunities for young people’.
Personal Accounts Highlight Challenges
Young people have shared their struggles in securing employment. Rebecca, who described feeling ‘quite stuck’ after college, noted the difficulty in transitioning from education to work. Muhammed emphasized the need for a ‘first opportunity’, while Neala recounted spending two years applying for jobs before securing one. These accounts underscore the broader challenges faced by young people in the current job market.
Broader Context and Long-Term Concerns
The latest Neet figures represent a slight improvement from the 1.01 million recorded between January and March 2024, but the overall trend remains concerning. Milburn’s review, expected to call for overhauls in schools, the health service, welfare system, and jobs market, highlights systemic issues contributing to youth economic inactivity. The review warns that without significant action, the number of young people not in work or education could continue to rise.
The data also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing policies aimed at reducing youth unemployment, including employer incentives and welfare reforms. While the government has not yet announced new measures, the rising Neet figures have intensified calls for a coordinated response to address the crisis.