As the latest ONS labour market data reveals the stark reality of rising NEET rates in northern England, UKPulse Media is turning its attention to the voices that matter most: those of young people struggling to find their place in the job market. We're launching a call for personal stories from 16- to 24-year-olds in the region who have faced the challenges of finding employment, education, or training opportunities amidst the economic downturn.
The statistics are clear: approximately one million individuals aged between 16 and 24 across the UK are currently classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). But what do these numbers mean for those living in northern England, where regional industry decline and limited job opportunities can exacerbate the problem? The ONS projections suggest this number could escalate significantly, potentially reaching 1.25 million by the early 2030s – a prospect that highlights the need for targeted support and solutions.
From Newcastle to Liverpool, we want to hear from those who are navigating the day-to-day struggles of job searching in northern England. What barriers have they faced? How have regional factors such as transport infrastructure or access to training impacted their chances of finding employment? By sharing their stories, young people can help policymakers and industry leaders understand the complexities of the local job market and identify effective solutions.
We invite you to share your personal experiences, whether it's the cost of living impacting your job search efforts, the struggle to find relevant training or apprenticeship opportunities, or simply the frustration of securing an interview. Your stories will help humanise the statistics and bring a vital perspective to the national conversation about youth employment and economic opportunity.