The number of 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training has remained close to one million, highlighting a persistent youth economic inactivity problem in the UK. Although the total fell slightly in the latest quarter, Alan Milburn warned that many young people are being denied opportunities to learn or work, with his government-commissioned review expected to recommend reforms across education, health, welfare and employment.

Official figures recorded 981,000 young people as Neet between April and June 2026, down 30,000 on the previous quarter but 30,000 higher than a year earlier; this represents 13 per cent of the age group, including 588,000 who are economically inactive. Milburn estimates the crisis costs £125bn annually through lost tax revenue and increased health and welfare spending, while the government’s £820m Youth Guarantee aims to offer training, education, apprenticeships or job support to 18- to 21-year-olds in England.