- Figures stand at 923,000
- Overall decrease masks rise in young women out of work and education
- UK missing out on an estimated £69 billion in untapped talent
Latest figures released by the Office for National Statistics estimate that in the first three months of 2025, there were 923,000 people aged 16-24 neither earning nor learning in the UK. This figure accounts for 12.5% of young people – or 1 in 8.
The figures represent a decrease of 7,000 vs the previous year. This breaks down as a decrease of 26,000 young men but, worryingly, an increase among young women of 19,000 from the previous year.
Earlier this week, new research revealed how certain groups of young people are more at risk of being out of work or education. The study, by the youth charity Impetus, revealed a postcode lottery across England.
Generally, areas with a higher risk of being “not in education, employment or training” (NEET) are in the North of England and the Midlands. NEET rates are highest in the North East of England (15.1% of young people vs 9.4% in the South West of England*).
The study also revealed the power of qualifications. Young people with fewer than five GCSEs are 75% more likely to be jobless and not in education than average. And if they also come from a poorer background, they’re around 130% more likely than the average.
But with the right, tailored support, young people even from these backgrounds can succeed in work and education - and thrive. Not only does this benefit them, it also benefits the economy.
The UK could add £69 billion to the economy, if we replicated the improvements to youth unemployment achieved in the Netherlands (reduced the number of NEET young people to around 5%) according to one estimate.**
The youth employability charity Resurgo is targeting support to where it’s needed most, supporting young people at 17 Spear Centres across England and Wales already.
As a child, John was placed in foster care. He got into drink and drugs and couldn’t see a future. After four years, John decided to make a change and his social worker suggested trying the Spear Programme in Leeds. John now works as a caretaker.
“Before Spear, I didn’t do anything. I didn’t see the point of talking to anyone. It gave me the strength and energy to…get a job and do well.”
John is available to talk about his experience.
Resurgo CEO Iona Ledwidge said:
“Since we started running the Spear Programme, we have worked with over 11,000 young people facing barriers to work. Of those who complete the programme, we have seen 75% move into education, employment or training and remain there a year later; evidence that we know our approach works.
“Last year, we opened two new Spear centres - one in Hastings and another in Gateshead. This year, we are launching two more, at St Helens in Merseyside, and in York. We have ambitious plans to continue expanding, helping more young people into work or education - and we’re committed to walking with each trainee every step of the way.”
You can find out more about Spear, or apply to join the Spear Programme on a course near you, on the Resurgo website, where you can also read the stories of young people who’ve got onto the career ladder, even after facing huge barriers to work.
**Data from the Youth Employment Group, calculated in 2023
