The number of young people in the UK aged 16 to 24 who are not in employment, education, or training (Neet) has surged to 872,000 between April and June 2024, according to official estimates.
This marks an increase of 74,000 compared to the same period last year, highlighting the growing challenge of youth unemployment in the post-pandemic landscape.
Among those affected is 23-year-old Rhyen, who feels that the prospect of finding work remains distant. “I have various barriers to employment—I’ve got mental health issues, I’ve got a lot of physical health issues—but I don’t not do anything,” Rhyen says, reflecting on their struggle to enter the workforce. Diagnosed with autism in Year 11, Rhyen’s late diagnosis meant they missed out on crucial educational support, leading to challenges in their academic journey.
Rhyen’s experience underscores a broader issue facing many young people in the UK. After struggling through school and failing most of their GCSEs, Rhyen attempted to pursue a technical theatre course but found that mental health difficulties made it hard to apply for jobs. A turning point came when a friend introduced them to The Warren Youth Project in Hull, a charity offering support to young people in similar situations.
With the support of The Warren, Rhyen has begun to prepare for employment, participating in activities like cookery classes that help build confidence and skills. “I just don’t have the confidence to face the world of work yet,” Rhyen admits, but they are working towards it.
What does the future of youth unemployment mean?
The increase in Neet numbers has drawn attention to the significant economic and social implications of youth unemployment. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that 12.2 percent of all young people aged 16 to 24 were Neet in the second quarter of 2024, with the majority (66%) categorised as economically inactive—meaning they are not currently seeking work.
Experts warn that the rise in economically inactive young people could have long-term consequences. Youth Futures Foundation, an organisation dedicated to improving young people’s employment prospects, described the situation as a “crisis.” Dr. Andrea Barry, the foundation’s principal economist, emphasised the need for better access to apprenticeships and support services, particularly for those from marginalised backgrounds.
The government acknowledges the complexity of the issue and has announced several initiatives aimed at addressing the problem. These include the creation of Skills England, a new body to address national and regional skills needs, and a Youth Guarantee to ensure access to training, apprenticeships, and back-to-work support.
What about regional disparities?
The regional disparity in Neet rates is also notable, with the highest rates recorded in north-east England. Vulnerable groups, including care leavers and those with poor mental health, are particularly at risk, further complicating efforts to reduce youth unemployment.
Charities like Right to Succeed are stepping in to provide targeted support to at-risk youth. Tomika Rogerson, an engagement coach with the charity, works closely with young people who are struggling to stay in school or find employment. Her efforts have helped students like Kian, a Year 11 pupil who once found school overwhelming, to find a path forward. With the charity’s help, Kian is now planning a future in baking and recently secured a place in a professional bakery course.
As the government rolls out new measures to combat the rising number of Neets, the stories of young people like Rhyen and Kian highlight the ongoing challenges and the need for continued support to ensure they can overcome the barriers they face and find their place in the workforce.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
