Number of young Brits not in education or work falls, new Neet figures show
The number of 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training (Neet) fell by 30,000 between the first and second quarters of 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics. The decline offers some relief to the government amid pressure to tackle youth inactivity, but the total remains higher than a year earlier and concerns persist about young people’s routes into work.
Between April and June, 981,000 young people were Neet, representing 13.0% of this age group, down 0.5 percentage points from January to March but 30,000 more than a year previously. Ministers highlighted a £2.5 billion support package and a Jobs Guarantee, while Alan Milburn’s review has warned that without action the Neet population could reach 1.25 million by 2031 and cost Britain £125 billion annually.
- Youth Neet numbers fell by 30,000 in the latest quarter.
- Nearly one million young people remain outside work, education or training.
- Government faces pressure for deeper reforms and more entry-level opportunities.
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The term Neet refers to young people who are not in education, employment or training. The figures cover 16- to 24-year-olds, a group moving from school or college into work, further study or training.
The Office for National Statistics publishes estimates of how many young people are Neet. Governments use the figures to track participation and consider whether support such as training or help finding work is reaching those who need it.
The issue matters because time out of education, work or training can affect young people’s future job prospects and earnings. The scale of youth inactivity is also linked to public spending and the wider economy.
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The case for
The quarterly fall is a meaningful early sign that targeted support and improving routes into work may be helping, particularly given the scale of the challenge after recent economic disruption. Supporters argue that the government should build on this momentum through the Jobs Guarantee, training and tailored help, because sustained engagement can prevent temporary inactivity becoming long-term exclusion and improve both life chances and the wider economy.
The case against
A single quarterly decline should not be treated as evidence that the underlying problem is resolved, since the number of young people who are Neet remains higher than a year earlier and still represents nearly one in eight people in the age group. Critics argue that ministers should be judged on durable reductions and on whether policies address deeper barriers such as mental health, insecure work, skills mismatches and uneven regional opportunity, rather than relying on headline announcements.