Business & Finance

UK data shows nearly one million young people are out of work or education

Office for National Statistics figures come as ministers prepare for recommendations from a government-commissioned review.

Updated Aug 27, 2026 · 13:21 UTC1 reports

The short version

An estimated 981,000 UK residents aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment, or training between April and June, according to the Office for National Statistics.
The total rose by 3% compared to the same period last year, driven predominantly by an increase among young men.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden indicated the government plans to pursue legislative action and policy proposals based on an upcoming review by Alan Milburn.

Office for National Statistics estimates show that 981,000 UK young people aged 16 to 24 (roughly one in eight) were not in education, employment, or training (Neet) between April and June.[BBC News]
The Neet total fell from over one million (13.5%) in the first quarter of the year, but increased by 3% compared to the 951,000 recorded in the same quarter last year.[BBC News]
The year-over-year increase comprised an estimated 25,000 additional young men compared to 4,000 additional young women.[BBC News]
Former minister Alan Milburn is set to publish the final instalment of a government-commissioned review on youth employment in the coming weeks.[BBC News]
Government initiatives to address youth unemployment include a Jobs Guarantee scheme intended to assist 90,000 people over three years, funding 25 hours of paid weekly work for six months for eligible jobseekers.[BBC News]

The Office for National Statistics noted that sample variability in quarterly data for smaller demographics makes long-term trends more reliable than short-term fluctuations.[BBC News]