The number of young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in employment, education, or training (Neets) has marginally fallen below one million, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported. The ONS estimated approximately 981,000 Neets in the three months leading up to June 2026.
This figure represents a decrease from 1,012,000 recorded between January and March 2026. The ONS has previously warned that vacancy levels are at a five-year low.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has made tackling the Neet crisis a key focus, pledging incentives for companies to offer apprenticeships and hire younger workers. The government expanded its 'Youth Jobs Guarantee' programme last month, offering employers £2,000 to take on young workers and providing six months of paid work for Universal Credit recipients.
On Thursday, the government announced the scheme would be rolled out to areas with high youth unemployment, including Essex, Greater Manchester, and Birmingham. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden stated the government is "determined to turn the tide on the youth unemployment crisis" and highlighted a £2.5bn investment aimed at creating nearly a million opportunities.
Alan Milburn, the Neets tsar, has previously stated that youth unemployment costs the UK economy around £125bn annually. He is expected to publish a review of the crisis and potential solutions in the coming weeks.