The UK's youth unemployment crisis has reached alarming proportions, with over a million 16-24-year-olds neither in education, nor employment, nor training. This 'NEET' figure – the highest since records began – casts a shadow over Britain's post-pandemic recovery, where other European nations have largely rebounded in terms of youth employment.
Jack Turner has spoken to young people like Hannah, who, despite graduating from Oxford with a degree and academic honours, is struggling to find work. 'It's almost impossible,' she says, recounting the countless job applications and rejections that have left her feeling demoralised. Her brother, too, has been impacted by the dearth of entry-level positions – the very opportunities designed for young people entering the workforce.
According to Divya Jyoti, a lecturer at Lancaster University, the scarcity of 'starter jobs' is a major contributor to this crisis. These entry-level roles provide crucial experience and a foothold on the career ladder. Their disappearance has left a significant gap, making it extremely difficult for new entrants to gain valuable skills and establish a stable future.
Experts warn that the long-term implications of disengagement from work or education are far-reaching. For individuals, there's the risk of mental health challenges and financial instability; for society as a whole, concerns about a potential skills gap and reduced productivity loom large. Addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach – one that includes policy changes, educational reforms, and industry-led initiatives to create more accessible pathways into employment.
The latest ONS labour market data highlights the scale of the problem: between June 2020 and May 2022, there were approximately 1.03 million young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This represents a rise of over 30% from pre-pandemic levels. As Britain's economy continues to adapt to the pandemic's aftermath, policymakers must tackle this pressing issue head-on and create opportunities for the next generation.