UK 957,000 young people not working or studying in February 2026 makes finding jobs harder

Almost 1 million young people in the UK are not working or in school as of February 2026. This is the second-highest number in ten years.
By Newsroom | Economy, United Kingdom |

A significant portion of the UK's youth, approaching one million individuals aged 16-24, are currently not engaged in employment, education, or training. This figure represents the second-highest level recorded in over a decade, signaling persistent challenges within the youth labor market. The situation is compounded by concerns that many young people may lack the necessary skills and experience to successfully enter or progress in the workforce, with potential long-term consequences for their careers and the broader economy.

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The Growing Number of Young People Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET)

Official data released in late February 2026 indicates that in the final quarter of 2025, approximately 957,000 Britons aged 16-24 were not in employment, education, or training (NEET). This number saw an increase from 946,000 in the preceding quarter. The figure narrowly trails the 971,000 recorded in the last quarter of 2024, which was the highest point since 2014. The NEET rate is often viewed as a more comprehensive indicator of labor market difficulties for young people than the standard youth unemployment rate, which also reached a ten-year high in the final quarter of 2025.

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  • December 2025: 957,000 (NEET)

  • September 2025: 946,000 (NEET)

  • December 2024: 971,000 (NEET - highest since 2014)

Factors Contributing to Youth Disengagement

Several interconnected factors are believed to be contributing to the high NEET rates among young Britons. Experts and reports highlight a confluence of economic pressures, educational preparedness gaps, and shifts in the job market itself.

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Economic and Policy Influences

Economists suggest that certain fiscal policies may be impacting young people's entry into the job market.

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  • Minimum Wage and Social Security: The Bank of England's Chief Economist, Huw Pill, has indicated that increases in the minimum wage and employer social security charges have presented obstacles for young individuals seeking to secure initial employment.

  • Policy Recommendations: Louise Murphy, a senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, has proposed that the government consider broadening eligibility for work placements and pausing planned changes to minimum wage differentials for younger workers. These actions, she suggests, could be addressed in upcoming fiscal statements.

Gaps in Work Readiness

Concerns are being raised about the preparedness of young people leaving educational institutions for the demands of the modern workplace.

  • Skills and Experience Deficit: Reports suggest a significant portion of young people lack the necessary skills and practical experience to transition effectively from education to employment. Barry Fletcher, CEO of the Youth Futures Foundation, expressed that many leave education without the required competencies, making their CVs easily overlooked.

  • Impact of the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated shift to virtual learning are also cited as a contributing factor. Julie Leonard, Chief Impact Officer, noted that a period of missed in-person education and socialization may have hindered the development of essential soft skills, work etiquette, and overall "work-readiness" for young adults. Employers at major firms have reportedly observed deficiencies in communication and collaboration among their newest hires.

  • Economically Inactive vs. Unemployed: Official figures reveal that a substantial number of young people classified as NEET are economically inactive (569,000), meaning they are not actively seeking employment, rather than being unemployed and actively looking for work (354,000).

Evolving Job Market Landscape

The nature of work is changing, creating new challenges for those entering the labor force.

  • Competition and Job Displacement: Factors such as artificial intelligence potentially automating entry-level roles and increased competition for available positions are creating a more difficult environment. The ratio of unemployed individuals to job vacancies has reportedly risen.

  • Job Insecurity: Even when young adults find employment, they often face unstable work arrangements, including temporary positions, gig work, or part-time roles lacking benefits.

  • Geographic and Social Barriers: Specific regions, like Cornwall, face hurdles such as seasonal work availability, high housing costs, and limited access to mental health support, all of which can impede young people's job prospects. Furthermore, young Black adults, particularly in rural areas, are noted to face particularly challenging circumstances.

Perspectives on Solutions

Organizations and experts are advocating for a multi-faceted approach to address the high NEET rates.

"Without action to tackle persistently high NEET rates, a generation of young people will be locked out of the labour market and the scarring effect this will have will be profound."— Barry Fletcher, CEO of Youth Futures Foundation

  • Policy Interventions: Recommendations include expanding work placement opportunities, re-evaluating minimum wage policies impacting younger age groups, and potentially investing in apprenticeships as a means to increase engagement in work, education, or training.

  • Addressing Root Causes: A deeper understanding of the underlying economic and social factors is deemed crucial for developing effective strategies. This includes recognizing the role of mental health as a significant barrier for young people seeking employment and career progression.

Conclusion and Implications

The sustained high level of young people not in employment, education, or training in the UK points to a complex and ongoing challenge. The data suggests a convergence of economic headwinds, educational system shortcomings in preparing individuals for the workforce, and structural shifts in the labor market. The segment of economically inactive young people actively highlights that the issue extends beyond job availability to encompass motivation, confidence, and perceived opportunities. The potential for long-term economic scarring for individuals and a widening social divide necessitates focused policy interventions and support systems to help nearly a million young Britons secure a stable foothold in their future careers. Further investigation into the specific barriers faced by different demographic groups within the NEET population is warranted.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are 957,000 UK young people not working or in school in February 2026?
Many young people lack the skills needed for jobs because they missed in-person school during the pandemic. Also, higher minimum wages and taxes for bosses make it expensive to hire new workers.
Q: How many UK youth were out of work or training at the end of 2025?
There were 957,000 people aged 16 to 24 who were not in employment, education, or training. This is a small increase from the 946,000 people recorded earlier in the year.
Q: What is the main reason UK bosses are not hiring young people in 2026?
Bosses say many young people do not have the right social skills or work habits for an office. New technology like AI is also taking away some of the easy, starting jobs.
Q: Which UK age group is most affected by the job shortage in February 2026?
People aged 16 to 24 are struggling the most, with nearly 1 million out of work or school. Experts worry this will make it hard for them to earn good money later in life.