The UK NEET rate has climbed again, with official figures showing that
957,000 young people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment or
training between October and December 2025. According to the Office for
National Statistics, this represents 12.8% of that age group, edging the total
closer to one million.
The most recent data shows a small rise from the last quarter. But the
overall percentage is still 0.4 percentage points lower than it was at the same
time last year. Even though the annual increase was good, the quarterly rise
has raised worries about young people's job prospects in a weak job market.
The increase in the UK NEET rate comes amid a sluggish employment
landscape, with younger workers particularly vulnerable to hiring slowdowns.
Cuts in hospitality roles and a reduction in graduate recruitment schemes have
limited entry level opportunities.
The ONS said that in the last three months of 2025, more young people
were actively looking for work. The number of young people who were unemployed
and looking for work went up by 12.3% from the previous quarter. At the same
time, the number of people who were not working and not looking for work fell
by 6%.
A young person is Neet if they are either unemployed and actively
looking for work or not working at all, which means they are not looking for
work and are not in school or training. People who are in school, college, an
apprenticeship, or a vocational course are not included in the measure.
The latest UK NEET rate figures reveal a notable shift in gender trends.
While young men remain more likely to be Neet overall, the gap between men and
women is narrowing.
At the end of 2025, 13.3% of young men between the ages of 16 and 24
were Neet. This was a small drop from the previous quarter. On the other hand,
the percentage of young women who were Neet rose to 12.2%, which was a big part
of the overall quarterly rise.
The ONS said that the rise in the UK NEET rate was mostly due to more
young women leaving school or work. Analysts say that health problems, caring
responsibilities, and uncertainty about the economy may all be factors.
The Youth Futures Foundation's research shows that more and more young
people are not working because they are sick for a long time, have mental
health problems, or are neurodivergent.
For a lot of people, problems with getting a job go beyond just not
being able to find one. Joseph, who is 24 years old and autistic, has been out
of work for three years. Joseph told BBC Newsbeat that it was hard to get a job
without any experience.
They talked about a common problem that young people looking for work
have: employers often want experience, but getting experience usually means
getting a job first. Joseph also said that autism can be a strength in the
workplace, even though many employers don't understand neurodiversity. Joseph
is currently receiving support from The King's Trust to help find paid
employment, illustrating the growing role of charities in tackling the UK NEET
rate.
The government has admitted that the lack of activity among young people
is a long-term structural problem. Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for
Work and Pensions, said that the problem is still going on and that there are
plans to help businesses hire young people through apprenticeship programs.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves also said last year that young people who have been
out of work or school for 18 months would be guaranteed a paid job placement.
People who turn down the offer risk losing some benefits, which is meant to get
more people to work.
As policymakers seek to reverse the upward trend in the UK NEET rate,
experts warn that sustained investment in mental health support, inclusive
hiring practices and early career pathways will be essential.
With nearly one million young people currently outside education and
employment, the trajectory of the UK NEET rate will remain a critical indicator
of the country’s economic and social health in the years ahead.
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