What does NEET mean?

NEET stands for not in education, employment or training. It is an official term used to describe people aged 16 to 24 who are not currently working, studying or taking part in recognised training. The term helps government departments, researchers and employment services measure participation. However, it should never become a personal identity.

A young person is not “a NEET”. They are a human being whose current circumstances may have placed them outside work, education or training. They may be searching for employment, managing a health condition, caring for somebody, recovering from a difficult experience or simply unsure about which direction to take. The Government’s independent review into young people and work describes NEET as a statistical convention. It also makes clear that economic inactivity does not mean a young person contributes nothing to their family or community.

At I’M MORE, we use the term because people search for it and government services recognise it. We do not use it to define anybody’s capability, character or future.

How many young people are NEET in the UK?

The latest Office for National Statistics estimate shows that 1.01 million people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment or training between January and March 2026. This represented 13.5% of the entire UK population within that age group. It was the first time the total had exceeded one million since 2013. The proportion of young people classified as NEET has been rising since 2021 and reached its highest level since 2014 during the first quarter of 2026.

Behind that figure were two different groups:

• Approximately 400,000 young people were unemployed. This means they were not working but were actively looking for work and available to begin.

• Approximately 613,000 were economically inactive. This means they were not working and were not currently looking for or available to start work.

That distinction matters. Around 39% of young people who were NEET were unemployed, while approximately 61% were economically inactive. A single response will not meet the needs of both groups.

The number is serious, but the people matter more.

Why are young people becoming NEET?

There is no single explanation. The Government’s 2026 interim review found interconnected challenges involving education, health, employment support, work experience, transport and the changing labour market.

Mental health is a significant factor. The review reported that one in five young people who were NEET identified a mental health condition, with anxiety and depression among the principal concerns. It also described a reinforcing cycle in which poor mental health can contribute to disengagement, while isolation from work or education can further damage confidence and wellbeing.

Lack of work experience is another major barrier. Only 36% of young people who were NEET said they had felt ready for work when leaving education. The review also found that many young people lacked an understanding of employer expectations and that those without family connections were less likely to access meaningful workplace opportunities.

Practical barriers matter too. Transport can determine whether somebody can reach a college, apprenticeship, interview or workplace. The independent review identified transport as a recurring obstacle, particularly for young people without access to a car or reliable evening and weekend services.

These are not excuses. They are realities that must be understood before effective support can be designed.

Many young people want to participate

Being outside work or education does not automatically mean somebody lacks ambition. Research conducted for the Government’s young people and work review found that 64% of the young people surveyed wanted employment or an apprenticeship. A further 19% wanted to enter education or training.

The desire is often present. What may be missing is confidence, guidance, digital ability, workplace exposure, transport, personal support or an employer prepared to look beyond a limited CV.

What is the Government doing about NEET numbers?

The UK Government has introduced and expanded several measures designed to help young people earn or learn. The Youth Guarantee is intended to improve access to employment, education, training and apprenticeships. The Government has also developed a Jobs Guarantee, announced a Youth Jobs Grant for eligible employers and expanded DWP Youth Hubs to provide more joined-up local support.

In June 2026, the Department for Work and Pensions announced that almost 180 expanded Youth Hubs would begin operating, with an ambition to establish 360 across Britain by 2029. These hubs are intended to coordinate employment support with services such as health, housing, education and wellbeing.

These initiatives matter. However, government programmes cannot succeed through policy and funding alone. Young people also need trusted local environments, human relationships, employer engagement and opportunities to practise the skills required to enter and remain in work.