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The number of UK young people not in education, employment or training (Neets) has dropped below one million.
There were an estimated 981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 during April to June 2026, the Office of National Statistics said. The figure increased by 30,000 compared with April to June 2025 but was down by 30,000 on January to March 2026 when it passed the one million mark to 1,012,000.
This rise was largely among young men, with an increase of 25,000 on the year, as well as an increase among young women of 4,000. Of the total number of young people who were Neet, 530,000 were young men and 451,000 were young women.
The government has commissioned former health secretary Alan Milburn to investigate how youth unemployment can be tackled. His interim report warned that the UK risks a “lost generation”, with young people being failed by a “broken system”. Milburn’s full recommendations are expected in the autumn.
Work and pensions minister Pat McFadden said:
“We are determined to turn the tide on the youth unemployment crisis, which has been years in the making with the number of young people not in education, employment or training rising by 248,000 between 2021 and 2024.
“These latest figures underline why we are addressing youth inactivity as a priority.”
He said tackling the number of Neets is “a priority” for the government with £2.5 billion being invested, including the youth guarantee which offers a route into work for 18–24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months.
Research by the Work Foundation at Lancaster University found the number of ‘starter’ jobs accessible to people entering work for the first time has fallen by 49% over the last decade, leaving only one starter vacancy for every three Neet young people nationally.
Work Foundation at Lancaster University director Ben Harrison said:
“Today’s figures indicate there are no quick fixes to the youth employment crisis facing the UK. The number of young people out of education, employment or training may have dipped just below one million, but it would be a mistake to assume this is a turning point as it remains 30,000 higher than a year ago.
“Although more young people are now looking for work than a year ago, they are doing so at a particularly difficult moment to take their first steps into the labour market.”
Hannah Larsen, policy manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Young people need to be at the heart of thriving businesses and a growing economy.
“Today’s data showing just under a million young people not in education, employment or training is a stark reminder of the huge challenge the UK is facing.
“Our research shows nearly half of businesses are facing skills shortages, and we simply can’t afford to leave so much young talent on the sidelines.
“We welcome government initiatives such as the Jobs Guarantee, which is starting to make a difference.
“Businesses want to hire more young people, but rising cost pressures have made that hugely challenging. The impact of the Employment Rights Act, employer NICs changes and increases in the National Living Wage have left firms trying to do the right thing with one arm tied behind their back.
“The upcoming report by Alan Milburn is a huge moment. We hope his recommendations will take on board both the part businesses can play in dealing with the youth jobs crisis but also recognise the huge pressures firms are facing.”
