The number of young people not in work, education, or training has reached its highest level in over a decade, sparking fresh concerns about youth unemployment in the UK. New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that nearly one in seven people aged 16-24 fell into this category at the end of 2024, with 987,000 young people classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). The rise has been attributed to a combination of economic challenges, declining apprenticeship opportunities, and an increase in mental health struggles among young adults.
Government officials say they are determined to address the issue. As part of its strategy, the government is promoting its Youth Guarantee initiative, which aims to ensure that every young person has access to education, training, or employment. However, many experts argue that more needs to be done to engage young people who have already become disconnected from work and education. A key concern is the number of young people who are classified as economically inactive, meaning they are not actively looking for work. The latest figures show that 595,000 young people fall into this category, compared to 392,000 who are unemployed but seeking work.
Among those affected is Niall, 22, from Liverpool, who told the BBC, he spent years feeling lost after leaving school without direction. He describes getting involved with the “wrong crowd” and struggling with mental health issues before finding support at a community centre. “There aren’t enough places for young people to go where they can actually get help,” he says.
“A lot of my friends are just stuck in this cycle of not knowing what to do next.”
Stories like Niall’s highlight the need for accessible support services and training programmes that can provide a way back into employment or education.
Mental health plays a significant role in the youth unemployment crisis, with a growing number of young people citing mental health struggles as a barrier to finding work. According to The Prince’s Trust Youth Index, more than one in three unemployed young people say poor mental health prevents them from getting a job. In addition, half of those surveyed said being unemployed made them feel hopeless about the future. Many of the UK youth community are also applying for jobs daily without success, adding to feelings of frustration and disengagement.
Organisations working to address the crisis say a multi-layered approach is needed, which includes better mental health support, more apprenticeships, and targeted training programmes. Youth workers on the ground have warned that many young people struggling to find work face additional barriers, such as lack of qualifications, disabilities, or difficult home environments. Without dedicated support, they risk falling into long-term unemployment, which can have lasting consequences on their future prospects.
While the government has relaxed some rules around apprenticeships to make them more accessible, some experts believe that a guaranteed Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship should be introduced for every young person. There are also calls for more support for schools and colleges to ensure that young people leave education with practical skills that will help them find employment. The broader economic impact is also a growing concern, with youth unemployment placing additional pressure on social services and contributing to rising benefit costs.
As the UK grapples with this growing issue, many are calling for long-term investment in youth employment programmes that go beyond short-term job placements and instead focus on creating meaningful career pathways. With young people making up a vital part of the country’s workforce and future economy, tackling youth unemployment must remain a priority for policymakers, employers, and education providers alike.
For more updates on youth employment initiatives and further insights, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
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